Swopes Valley Road Soil Nailing

This soil nailing low volume road project takes place on Swopes Valley Road in Bethel Township, PA, near Interstate 81.

Project Location

 

About

  • A large storm caused the road to crumble down towards the creek in 2020.

  • The project involves the design and construction of a permanent soil nail retaining wall, approximately 117 feet long with a GSE wall or equal, along the northeast side of Swope Valley Road, just south of Rte. 81.

  • Along with installing a new headwall with water quality forebay with water quality filter on the existing stormwater pipe and inlet.

Before Restoration

Below, pictured in 2021, are photos of the one-lane road. The photos feature the crumbling pavement into the creek below.

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DURING Restoration

Below, pictured in 2022 during the restoration of implementing the steel “nails” into the slope, restoring the stability of the road.

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AFTER Restoration

Taken in 2024, the road remains held in place by the soil nailing. The road can now be safely kept as a two-lane road as shown below

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Why This matters

  • Soil nailing is a ground reinforcement technique used to stabilize slopes, excavations, or retaining walls.

  • It involves inserting closely spaced steel bars (nails) into the soil, usually at a slight downward angle, and then grouting them in place.

Soil Nailing: 

  • Reinforces existing soil without needing large retaining walls 

  • Minimizes excavation and construction footprint (ideal in narrow roads or remote areas) 

  • Is cost-effective compared to other retaining systems  

By reinforcing the road with these “nails”, the slope stays stable and also prevents the road from further crumbling causing pollution in our waterways.

In conclusion

The Swopes Valley Road restoration project stands as a successful example of applying innovative geotechnical solutions to low volume roads.

Moving forward, Swopes Valley Road serves as a model for similar projects, reinforcing the importance of collaborative planning, context-sensitive design, and sustainable engineering practices in managing Pennsylvania’s low volume road network.