Which method is commonly used for erosion control in highway construction?

Silt fencing is commonly used for erosion control in highway construction due to its effective ability to intercept and manage sediment runoff from disturbed areas. This method involves installing a temporary barrier of geotextile fabric supported by stakes, which allows water to pass through while filtering out sediment. As a result, silt fencing helps to protect water bodies and the surrounding environment from the harmful impacts of erosion caused by construction activities.

Grass sod, while beneficial for stabilizing soil, is typically used after initial construction activities have been completed, rather than during the active phase of work. Seeding only may also be effective, but it can take longer to establish vegetation and provide adequate erosion control. Gravel lining may serve as a surface treatment but is not primarily focused on controlling erosion in the way that silt fencing is designed to do. Thus, silt fencing stands out as the preferred and more immediate method for managing erosion during highway construction.