More than 50 percent of the road network in the United States consists of gravel roads, underscoring their crucial role in the transportation system. However, one of the drawbacks and biggest complaints of gravel roads is the dust they generate when vehicles pass—dust that then settles on nearby residents’ homes, yards, and parked cars. Dust can also reduce safety by impairing drivers’ vision.
To control dust on gravel roads, local agencies apply various dust suppressants on their roadways. Recently, counties have received calls from residents concerned about possible environmental, health, and corrosion effects of dust and dust control suppressants. This report investigates these concerns as well as reviews and updates previous LRRB reports on dust control.