gradeline

Noun

gradeline (plural gradelines)

1. A longitudinal reference line or slope to which a highway, railway, or other infrastructure is built. It defines the intended grade or slope of the structure, ensuring proper drainage, safety, and functionality.
   • In valleys and depressions, embankments with side slopes of 1½ to 1, or about 33°, are raised to the grade line of the road; while the ridges and other prominences, occurring upon the route, are cut through to the same level, or grade line, leaving a surface width of 26 feet, and slopes upon the...1830 January 14, REPORT of the DIRECTORS OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT ON THE SUBJECT OF RAIL ROADS TRANSMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, page 33
   • Some soils, however, have a high water table, bedrock, or other obstacles that must be considered before the position of the gradeline is determined.1962 November, SOIL SURVEY: Yadkin County North Carolina (Series 1959, No. 16), UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, Soil Conservation Service, In cooperation with NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL...