Curtain Drain Installation for Roadsides & Right-of-Ways

Intercept Shallow Groundwater and Keep Infrastructure Dry

When water seeps laterally through saturated soil, it can soften roadbeds, damage slopes, and undermine pavement. Curtain drains are subsurface drainage systems designed to intercept and redirect this water before it reaches critical infrastructure. At Diversified Drainage, we install curtain drains for municipal clients across Minnesota—protecting roads, trails, slopes, and right-of-way areas from the damaging effects of shallow groundwater.


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drain tile installation in progress
/OUR PROCESS

About the Service: What Is a Curtain Drain?

Curtain drains (also known as interceptor drains) are shallow, trench-style drainage systems installed upslope or alongside infrastructure to cut off lateral water flow. They typically consist of:
  • Perforated piping
  • Gravel or aggregate backfill
  • Filter fabric to prevent clogging
  • Proper slope to discharge collected water

Unlike deep drain tile systems, curtain drains are designed for surface-adjacent groundwater—ideal for roads, slopes, athletic fields, and landscaped municipal spaces.

Our Curtain Drain Services

  • Curtain Drain Design & Layout
    We design drains to match flow paths, soil conditions, and the slope of the surrounding area.
  • Roadside Water Interception
    Curtain drains protect road bases, sidewalks, and curb lines from seepage and frost-related damage.
  • Slope & Berm Protection
    Install curtain drains above slopes to reduce erosion and maintain stability.
  • Right-of-Way Drainage Control
    Protect utilities, trails, or public spaces by intercepting water at the edge of the ROW.
  • System Tie-Ins
    Connect curtain drains to storm sewer, culverts, or daylight discharge points for complete flow control.
  • Retrofit & Emergency Installation
    Add curtain drains to sites with persistent seepage or frost heave damage.
/Municipal-Grade Solutions

Why Municipalities Choose Curtain Drains

Protect Paved Surfaces from Below - Stop moisture from softening subgrades and cracking pavement during freeze/thaw cycles.
Solve Seepage Issues at the Source - Cut off water before it accumulates or reaches infrastructure.
Low Profile, High Impact - Curtain drains are cost-effective and minimally disruptive to install—especially in ROW applications.
Integrate Easily with Existing Systems - Tie into culverts, ditches, storm systems, or gravity-fed outlets.
Ideal for Retrofits and Hard-to-Drain Areas - Solve water problems where grading and surface drainage aren't effective.
Dashboard mockup

Where Curtain Drains Work Best

Road shoulders & slope toes
Park trails and walking paths
Retaining walls and sloped ROWs
Sidewalks and boulevards
School fields and public grounds
Flat areas with slow-moving water seepage

Designed for Minnesota Ground Conditions

Our curtain drain systems are engineered to perform under:
High water tables and shallow groundwater
Clay-heavy, slow-draining soils
Repeated freeze/thaw expansion
Seasonal saturation from snowmelt or rainfall
Poorly draining slopes or berms

Why Choose Diversified Drainage? 

a pair of excavators working to install a commercial drainage solution

25+ Years of Experience

With over two decades of hands-on experience, we’ve seen—and solved—every kind of drainage issue for both homes and commercial properties.

Fully Licensed & Insured

Our team is fully licensed, insured, and qualified to work on residential neighborhoods, large-scale commercial sites, and everything in between.

Local Expertise

As a Plymouth-based company, we understand the soil, slope, and drainage challenges unique to Minnesota properties.

Effective Solution Design

We provide high-quality drainage systems that are both cost-effective and built to perform season after season.

Customer-first Service

From homeowners to property managers, we prioritize clear communication, honest recommendations, and long-term results.

Ready to Intercept Problem Water Before It Reaches the Road?

Curtain drains are a simple, effective way to protect municipal infrastructure from shallow water movement. We’ll design a solution that works with your site and keeps your base dry.
(763) 443-0575
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Municipal Drainage FAQs

Proper municipal drainage starts with the right system—and a clear understanding of how it works. Explore these FAQs to learn more about drainage.

How deep is a curtain drain installed?

Typically 2–4 feet deep, depending on soil conditions and the location of the groundwater flow.

What’s the difference between a curtain drain and a French drain?

A curtain drain is designed to intercept water horizontally across a slope or along a barrier. A French drain usually handles vertical infiltration in a specific spot.

Can curtain drains be added to an existing roadway?

Yes—we often install them to solve long-term seepage problems without major disruption to roadbeds.

Where does the water go after it's collected?

We tie curtain drains into culverts, ditches, or daylight outlets depending on your site's layout.