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 creates dust that can reduce visibility for motorists, affect adjacent property owners and accelerate deterioration of the road surface.

Summer is prime time for dust control on Michigan’s unpaved roads. Road agencies use heavy equipment to grade (level or smooth) roads and apply moisturizing materials to the surface, helping fine particles adhere to one another instead of becoming airborne.

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 maintain Michigan’s unpaved roads despite the dust in the wind.