Dry conditions delay grading operations on county gravel roads

The lack of precipitation in Cook County this fall has taken a toll on many county gravel roads

As gravel roads become increasingly dry, washboarding conditions or corrugation occur. Numerous gravel roads in Cook County currently have washboarding conditions.

“It’s that wavy pattern in the road that you feel in your soul,” Matt Nesheim, highway maintenance superintendent, said.

Nesheim said typically, the county grades the gravel roads throughout the summer and fall months, but unfortunately, due to the dry conditions, the highway department has been unable to.

“We actually can’t fix it when it’s dry like this,” Nesheim said.

He said a certain amount of moisture is needed in the gravel road to “cut the road.” Otherwise, Nesheim said, the grader’s moldboard, the moveable blade beneath the grader, goes into the roadbed to cut the road but immediately forms back. The dry conditions also increase the likelihood of dust.

The Cook County Highway Department uses four graders to maintain 200 miles of county gravel roads.

Nesheim said when conditions are right and sufficient precipitation has been received, the highway department will resume grading operations.

WTIP’s Mark Abrahamson spoke with the Cook County Highway Maintenance Superintendent about how dry conditions impact grading on county roads and more. The audio from the interview is below.

Kalli Hawkins October 7, 2024