The original item was published from 6/15/2021 3:52:09 PM to 7/10/2021 12:00:01 AM.

News Flash

Road - Closures and Construction

Posted on: June 15, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Grind and Gravel Dust Concerns

GRIND AND GRAVEL DUST CONCERNS

The Spring of 2021 has provided many construction complications including drought conditions. Due to the lack of rainfall and high temperatures, Berrien County is suffering greatly with dry conditions.

Traditionally, construction improvement projects that have road surfaces ground and graveled in the Spring (April – June) are prime and sealcoated in the Summer (June - August). Normal grind, gravel, prime and double seal projects benefit from normal Spring weather. Spring rainfall usually provides moisture which aids in road compaction. This year, rainfall has been rare, which has led to gravel becoming dry quickly and the potential for dust complaints.

Staff have been working as efficiently as possible on these road improvement projects. Despite the dry, dusty conditions, BCRD maintenance staff have developed a temporary solution for this situation. Until staff are able to prime and double seal all of the roads scheduled for 2021, crews will be facilitating the application of a dust control solution to these graveled roads. This solution will be applied in a 14 foot area down the center of the road. This will help provide additional stability to the new gravel under these extreme conditions.

This will also help provide some relief to nearby residents and property owners without compromising future steps in the remaining grind, gravel, prime and double sealcoating process. If you have questions you are encouraged to contact the Road Department offices at the number listed above.

Project road locations anticipated to receive this dust control treatment: