The Streets and Drainage Division of Public Works aim to maintain and repair county roadways, roadside drainage ditches, and right-of-way to provide a safe and reliable transportation network and a stormwater system that minimizes flooding and protects the environment.

Dirt Road Maintenance

Clay County has approximately 247 miles of County-owned or maintained dirt roads. More than 90% of these roads consist of sand and clay, which comprise the road base. The condition of these roads is highly dependent on the volume and type of traffic, drainage systems, and weather conditions. Erosion of unpaved roads and drainage systems is the most significant factor affecting maintenance requirements.

Erosion of unpaved roadways occurs when soil particles are loosened and carried away from the roadway base and into the drainage system. Soil particles that settle out in the drainage system reduce the ditch's carrying capacity, which in turn causes roadway flooding and, thus, more roadway erosion.  Grading dirt roads with little moisture content in the soil is futile and is often the cause of road surface degradation, such as "washboarding" and other problems associated with soil loss. Frequent, excessive, and unnecessary disturbances by continued grading increase erosion, which accounts for a large percentage of dirt road maintenance costs and the deposit of sediments in our water bodies. Properly timed and selective surface maintenance, which includes drainage systems, will minimize erosion problems and lengthen the life of the road surface.

How often are dirt roads usually graded? Streets and Drainage Division currently complete a grading cycle in approximately three weeks. Of course, many variables are involved in staying on that schedule. Weather, illnesses, equipment failure, holidays, and road conditions all alter our cycle but barring these unforeseen circumstances; your road should be graded about every three weeks.

Pot Hole Maintenance

Clay County has over 740 miles of County-owned or maintained paved roads. In addition, hundreds of miles of paved roads are owned by the state of Florida and the municipalities within Clay County. While the maintenance requirements for paved roads are much less than that required for dirt roads, paved roads experience deterioration over extended periods.

Large potholes in paved road surfaces are a significant irritant to the driving public and can present a safety hazard. When suspected hazardous potholes are reported during regular work hours, the Streets and Drainage Division will make every effort to inspect the area within 48 hours of notification. If the pothole is deemed an emergency priority, it will be repaired immediately. All other potholes that do not represent a hazard will be added to the routine schedule. 

Tree Trimming and Right of Way Mowing

Over 986 miles of County owned or maintained paved and unpaved roads in Clay County. Most of these roads have trees and grass growing on county right-of-ways.  Overgrown grass and trees are not only unsightly, but they can be a safety hazard on roadways. The inability to see road signs, traffic lights, and the shoulder condition all present problems citizens of Clay County should not have to deal with. 

To keep our roadside grass under control, mowing is accomplished every nine weeks during the mowing season, from May to November, on county-maintained roadways. Weather, illnesses, equipment failure, and holidays all play a part in altering our schedule. Trees are trimmed as reported by a citizen complaint or when a work crew observes a need in an area they are working. Only trees on the County right-of-ways will be trimmed. All others are the responsibility of the property owner.

Mowing Procedures and Road List