Gravel Roads

Below you will find some resources to help maintain your gravel road.

Gravel Road Maintenance Manual

A Guide to Forming Road Associations

The Maine Alliance for Road Associations (MARA) is a volunteer public service organization whose goal is to help Maine homeowners who live on private roads and public citizens who may be considering this possibility.

Maintaining a gravel road according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidelines focuses on shedding water quickly to prevent erosion and protect nearby water quality.

Establish and Maintain a Crown

  • Build a high point in the center of the road and slope it down toward the edges.
  • Aim for a 4% slope (about a 1/2-inch drop per foot) from the center to the ditch to drain water effectively.
  • Avoid an overly steep crown (over 6%) or a flat “loaf-of-bread” shape that traps water in wheel ruts.

Clear and Maintain Ditches

  • Keep roadside ditches free of leaves, sediment, and debris so water flows away smoothly.
  • Ensure ditches have the proper width and depth to handle heavy runoff without eroding the banks.
  • Stabilize steep ditch slopes with vegetation or rock lining to stop soil from washing into nearby lakes and streams.

Manage Culverts Properly

  • Inspect culverts regularly and clear out any dirt, leaves, or blockages.
  • Protect culvert inlets and outlets with rocks or riprap to prevent washout and erosion.
  • Replace crushed, broken, or undersized culverts immediately.

Grade and Resurface Sensibly

  • Grade the road once a year (ideally in the spring after the freeze-thaw cycle) to restore the proper crown.
  • Limit grading speed to 3 to 5 mph with the blade angled at 30 to 45 degrees to mix and cut materials properly.
  • Replenish surface material every few years using a quality gravel blend that contains enough sand and fine particles (binding fines) to pack tightly.

Control Vegetation and Dust

  • Trim brush and trees along the road edges to let sunlight and wind dry the surface faster after rain.
  • Apply dust suppressants like calcium chloride during dry summer months to lock in fine particles and prevent gravel loss.

Further Exploration