Gravel roads play a crucial role in Minnesota’s transportation system. However, one of the drawbacks and complaints about gravel roads is the dust they generate when vehicles pass, causing inconvenience for residents from dust that settles on homes, yards, and parked cars. Dust also can create a safety hazard when it impairs vision.
To control the dust on gravel roads, local agencies apply various dust suppressants on their roadways. Recently, counties have received questions from residents about environmental, health and corrosion concerns with dust and dust control suppressants.
This guidance investigates these questions as well as reviews and updates previous LRRB reports on dust control. It includes the results of a statewide gravel road survey; research on health, environmental, and corrosion concerns of dust control; and resources and tools for choosing dust control suppressants. A chloride deposition from salt application calculator can assist in determining application rates.