Kerb and channel

Kerb and channel

Kerb and channel, commonly known as kerb and gutter, form a barrier between the road pavement and the nature strip. They provide road drainage and prevent water entering under the road surface. This helps maintain road condition by reducing the number of potholes and road defects. 

Kerb and channel also help to lower stormwater flows and reduce silt in waterways and act as a barrier to prevent vehicles from leaving the road.

We undertake a number of kerb and channel projects each year consisting of either:

  • new works – installing kerb and channel on streets that currently have none, or
  • rehabilitation – repair work to existing kerb and channel that is no longer functioning properly.

Council has an enormous task to provide kerb and channel adjacent to all urban properties in the City. Current funding levels for this work mean it will take many years to complete, therefore, projects are selected and prioritised according to strict engineering criteria including:

  • reducing stormwater discharge through private properties
  • reducing ongoing maintenance problems for the road structure, and
  • resolving road drainage issues.

Other factors such as high traffic volumes and increased development within an area may also impact on decisions to implement new kerb and channel. Aesthetic reasons are given a lower priority.

Frequently asked questions

Kerb and channel fact sheet(PDF, 416KB)