201.1Description.
This work consists of clearing and grubbing the project site in preparation for construction.
201.2Materials.
Not applicable.
201.3Construction.
201.3.1 General.
A.Clear and grub vegetation, trees, stumps, roots, and other debris.
B.Replace usable embankment and topsoil removed during clearing and grubbing.
C.Use a root rake to prevent wasting embankment and topsoil during the grubbing operation.
D.Clear the ground of all living and dead trees, stumps, brush, and other debris.
201.3.2 Trees and Roadside Amenities Designated to Remain.
A.Protect items designated to remain.
B.Place a temporary construction fence to protect trees designated to remain. Place the fence at the
drip line of the trees.
C.Engage a certified tree surgeon to evaluate trees damaged by the clearing and grubbing
operations. Repair or replace the trees as recommended by the tree surgeon.
D.Prune tree branches overhanging the roadbed to maintain a vertical clearance height of 20-feet
above the roadway.
E.Prune trees or shrubs overhanging the pedestrian path to achieve a vertical clearance height of
10-feet above and 2-feet adjacent to the sidewalk, trail, or shared use path on either side.
F.Prune trees and shrubs overhanging the utility limits within the right of way and easement limits
of construction. Remove obstructions at the edges of the utility limits and the easement limits from the ground up in a vertical plane until no trees or shrubs cross the utility and easement limit lines at any point.
G.Perform all required pruning in accordance with ANSI A300.
201.3.3 Disposal. Dispose of all waste materials in accordance with Section 106.8. 201.3.4 Preparation of Ground Surface.
A.Clear, grub, and excavate for installation of ditches and sediment controls before clearing and
grubbing the remainder of the contract.
B.Complete all clearing and grubbing before excavating or grading.
C.Clearing and grubbing depths:
1.Remove root mat, including stumps, to the following minimum depths unless otherwise
specified in the contract:
a.Forested areas within tree lines shown in the contract: 2-feet
b.Scrub wooded areas: 1-foot
c.Field areas: vegetation only
D.If the contract requires cross sectioning, level and fill voids or cavities caused by the clearing and
grubbing activities. Compact the existing material after clearing and grubbing before cross sectioning and placement of embankment lifts.
E.Based on soil conditions encountered after completion and acceptance of clearing and grubbing,
the engineer may restrict earth-moving activities for a maximum of 14 calendar days to allow the ground to dry and solidify. 201.3.5 Clearing and Grubbing Limitations.
A.The engineer may limit clearing and grubbing to ensure compliance with the applicable erosion
and sediment control regulations and specifications.
B.The maximum allowable exposed area of erodible soil is 20-acres.
201.4Method of Measurement.
A.The Department will not measure clearing and grubbing.
201.5Basis of Payment.
A.The Department will pay for clearing and grubbing as a lump sum item. Payment is full
compensation for all work described in this section.
B.The Department will consider all costs associated with the engineer’s direction to restrict earth-
moving activities as incidental to the work. ITEM DESCRIPTION UNIT 201000 CLEARING AND GRUBBING LS
Referenced in this section
Sections that cite this one
CLEARING AND GRUBBING in other states
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Source: Delaware Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2026 Edition. Pages 111–0 of 786.
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