Course Summary:

This course provides participants with a practical understanding of the causes of gravel road distress and the corrective actions needed to maintain safe and durable roadways. The course focuses on the key factors that influence gravel road performance, including proper roadway shape and geometry, material quality and quantity, and effective roadway drainage.

Participants will explore both design and maintenance concepts that support long-term gravel road performance.

Topics include typical cross-section elements, drainage considerations specific to gravel roads, basic alignment and sight distance concepts, and appropriate roadway signing. Maintenance discussions will focus on motor grader operation, compaction, cross slope management, ditch and shoulder maintenance, gravel material specifications and quality, dust control and stabilization methods, and winter maintenance practices.

Through discussion and practical insights, participants will also learn how to “read the road” to identify maintenance needs and understand how material quality, material quantity, and roadway shape work together to create a well-performing gravel road system. By the end of the course, participants will have a stronger understanding of best practices for maintaining and improving gravel roads.

Intended Audience:

This course is intended for local elected leaders, local road managers, road supervisors, lead workers, and crew members that are involved in the work, planning and decision making for local gravel roads.

Prerequisites:

None