Dust in the wind: Why dust control is important this summer

Chances are, Michiganders aren’t thrilled about the prospect of their unpaved roads imitating the title of a Kansas song. But, unfortunately, dust from gravel roads is an inevitable side effect of Michigan’s weather.

During dry weather, traffic on unpaved roads leads to dust, which can obscure the vision of motorists, affect adjacent property owners and escalate deterioration of the road surface.

Dust control is essential in keeping roads safe, and summer is prime time for dust control on Michigan’s unpaved roads. Road agencies use big equipment to grade (level or smooth) and apply moisturizing materials to the road surface, which helps fine particles adhere to each other – instead of flying through the air.

Unpaved road maintenance depends on the weather, so a dust control schedule isn’t guaranteed on a certain calendar date. Still, county road agencies are working hard to keep our roads safe – despite the dust in the wind.