Which term describes a mound of dirt built on a haulage road to slow trucks or prevent overtravel?

• A. Berm
• B. Ramp
• C. Bluff
• D. Fence

Answer: (A)

A berm is an earthen barrier built along the edge of a haul road to act as a safety feature. By forming a raised mound, it helps slow or stop a vehicle that might drift toward the edge, preventing overtravel into ditches, spoil piles, or off-road areas. In surface mining, berms are routinely placed on haul roads near intersections, curves, or drop-offs to keep trucks within the roadway and reduce the risk of rollover or contact with hazards. This differs from a ramp, which is a sloped path for changing elevation; a bluff, which is a steep natural or engineered bank; and a fence, which is a vertical barrier made of posts or wire rather than an earthen mound.