5 Solutions for Dust Control on Gravel Roads

​Gravel roads are necessary for many construction projects and are often used as access roads for farms and rural areas. However, dust can be an issue on these unpaved roads, causing potential health hazards and damaging nearby crops and properties. Fortunately, there are several solutions for dust control on gravel roads. Here are five dust control solutions that can help you keep dust from becoming a problem on your roadway:

1. Water Trucks - Spraying water is a popular, cost-effective solution for dust control on gravel roads. Water is sprayed on a road's surface to help bind the dust and prevent it from becoming airborne. Water trucks can help wash away any accumulated dirt and debris and should be used regularly, particularly during the driest times of the year. However, water spraying can be expensive and labor-intensive and may not be a feasible solution for very long or remote gravel roads.
2. Chlorides - Chloride products, such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, can also be used for dust control. These products bind with dust particles and prevent them from becoming airborne. Chlorides are often used in conjunction with regular water spraying, as chloride products can lose their effectiveness in dry conditions. Chlorides do have two main disadvantages: they corrode vehicles and equipment, and most chlorides are not durable.
3. Windbreaks - Windbreaks are barriers that block wind from blowing across a gravel road. By blocking the wind, windbreaks prevent dirt and dust from becoming airborne. Windbreaks can be made from various materials, such as straw bales, plywood, or even concrete walls. But be aware that windbreaks can also block visibility for drivers, so it's essential to carefully plan the placement of your windbreak.
4. Reducing Vehicle Speed - Vehicle speed is one of the most significant contributors to dust on gravel roads. Slowing down vehicles can significantly reduce aggregate dust particles. This can be accomplished through signage, speed bumps, or even implementing a traffic control plan. If it's a private access road, consider limiting the number and types of vehicles allowed on it.
5. Polymer Dust Control Products- Polymer dust control products, such as the Envirotac product line, are applied to the surface of a gravel road to bind dust and improve road stability. They can provide gravel road dust control for long periods of time and can even add structural support in areas prone to washouts. Envirotac is made of acrylic polymers that interact with soil particles at the non-level and bind them together by altering their microinstruction, increasing compression strength, and load-bearing capability of the treated surface.

Top Recommendations for Dust Control on Gravel Roads
Gravel roads are necessary for many construction projects, but they can also create problems like dust pollution. That's why it's essential to have a plan for controlling dust on unpaved roads before construction begins. Consider implementing a combination of various dust control methods to create a dust-free and safe environment for workers, nearby residents, and the surrounding environment.

Planning and regularly maintaining dust control measures is key for successful dust mitigation. With so many options, deciding on the right dust control product can be challenging. Environmental Products & Applications, Inc. is a leader in soil stabilization and dust control products.

Learn more about our dust control solutions and how Environmental Products & Applications, Inc. can help save you time and money and provide peace of mind on your construction site.