This section describes material and drainage issues that need to be evaluated as part of the design of cuts
and fills along railroad roadways. It is assumed that the general project alignment has been selected, field
exploration and soil sampling have been performed, and laboratory testing is completed prior to
commencing with the final design. Issues for consideration in design include horizontal and vertical
alignments and typical sections all of which are influenced by traffic considerations, topographical features,
drainage, and soils and rock data. Environmental conditions such as drainage, wetlands and contaminated
soils also influence the design.