Gravel Road and Shoulder Maintenance

Status: Complete
Report Date: 12/15/2025

Summary:

This project documented and shared best practices for gravel road and shoulder maintenance to help local agencies improve efficiency amid limited budgets and shrinking workforces. Using Nicollet County’s proven approach as a model, the study showed that updated gravel specifications, systematic blading practices, seasonal scheduling, and reclaiming techniques can cut gravel use and operating hours by about 50%, saving more than $150,000 annually, with an additional $85,000 saved through shoulder reclaiming on paved roads. A key outcome of the project is the educational video “Gravel Road and Shoulder Maintenance – Best Practices and Innovations” and its companion flyer, which translates these findings into practical guidance for counties, townships, and maintenance staff. Together, these resources equip agencies with strategies that reduce costs, extend road life, and improve safety across Minnesota’s extensive gravel road network.

Final Deliverables:

Gravel Road and Shoulder Maintenance – Best Practices and Innovations (Video #2025RIC18V)
Gravel Road and Shoulder Maintenance (Other #2025RIC18B)
Gravel Road and Shoulder Maintenance (Report #2025RIC18)

Related Materials:

Related Research:

Project Personnel:

Principal Investigator: John Brunkhorst

Co-Principal Investigator: Rick West, Britt Berner

Technical Liaison: Seth Greenwood, Mike Suska

Project Coordinator: Jackie Jiran