Here's the Dirt on Rural Roads

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Tests by the Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies have shown that a higher percentage of fines will provide a much tighter-packed gravel road and perform better than typical aggregate. A "recipe" for the center's recommended aggregate mix is available on its Web site, www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs (Look under "Downloads" for "Driving Surface Aggregate Specifications.") When ordering gravel from the quarry, ask for more fines. Sometimes such mixes are referred to as "dirty."

These fines are also key to problems with dusty roads. Too few fines and the aggregate doesn't bind together, allowing the tiny particles to be kicked off the surface by fast-moving traffic. Too many fines and the same results occur, plus some very slick mud. Solving perennial problems with dusty roads may take some experimenting with the addition of surface fines.

Another solution is spreading calcium chloride powder on the road. Calcium chloride absorbs moisture from the air and thus binds the surface materials together. While calcium chloride is a definite environmental improvement over the old practice of spreading used motor oil on dirt roads, it can adversely affect the environment and in some places may be illegal to use on roads. Check with your state's environment department. Calcium chloride doesn't work in arid climates.

Maintaining dirt and gravel roads isn't easy. Still, experts said, a good gravel road is less expensive and easier to maintain than a paved one. But like everything else on a country property, roads benefit most from close attention and quick action when something goes wrong.

"In the old days in a bad rainstorm, the farmer went out with a hoe and cut herringbones off the side of the road, so the water would go off the side instead of washing out the middle of the road," Lanoie said. Judicious use of a shovel when trouble starts and thoughtful follow-up for permanent solutions can make living on a country road glorious once again.

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