Road agencies across Michigan are currently experiencing the same seasonal challenge: maintaining gravel roads during the freeze–thaw cycle. As a result, the Ottawa County and Kent County road commissions are asking motorists for patience as crews work within the limits created by fluctuating temperatures and saturated ground conditions.
“This isn’t a county-by-county problem, it’s a weather problem,” said Ken Hildebrand, operations superintendent at the Ottawa County Road Commission. “The surface might look thawed, but underneath it’s still frozen. If we bring heavy equipment out too early, we can do more harm than good.”
At this time of year, the soil beneath gravel roads often remains partially frozen. As frost comes out of the ground, melting snow or rain cannot drain through the road’s subbase because frozen layers beneath the surface restrict movement. Instead, water remains trapped at or near the surface.
“As frost starts to come out of the ground, moisture rises to the surface,” said Steve Roon, director of maintenance and local road construction at the Kent County Road Commission. “The top of the road gets soft, muddy and unstable, especially under traffic.”
Operating heavy grading equipment under these conditions can further damage the roadway. Disturbing a saturated surface can deepen ruts and compromise the road’s structure. Adding new gravel at this stage can also be ineffective, as material placed on a wet or partially frozen base will not compact properly and can delay the drying process.
“If the base is still frozen or saturated, new gravel won’t compact the way it should,” Hildebrand said. “It can shift, rut and wash out, and we end up back in the same spot, or worse. The right repair at the wrong time just doesn’t hold.”
Warmer temperatures and lower precipitation are necessary for gravel roads to dry and stabilize. Once the road base fully thaws, crews can properly shape and compact the surface for longer-lasting performance.
Until then, road agencies will do what they can to address issues. “We monitor conditions daily. We spot-grade where it helps. We address problem areas when equipment can operate without compromising the road’s integrity,” said Roon.
During this time, the agencies are asking for the assistance of motorists.
“Soft roads are more vulnerable to damage from speed and heavy loads,” Hildebrand said. “Slowing down makes a real difference during this window.”
As temperatures stabilize and roads dry out, grading operations will increase across both counties and throughout the state.
“We know rough gravel roads are frustrating. Trust us, we drive them too. But waiting for the right conditions is how we protect the road long-term and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Roon said.
About 18 percent of the roads in Ottawa County – 303 miles in total – are gravel roads, county Road Commission spokesman Alex Doty said.
“This isn’t a county-by-county problem, it’s a weather problem,” said Ken Hildebrand, operations superintendent at the Ottawa County Road Commission. “The surface might look thawed, but underneath it’s still frozen. If we bring heavy equipment out too early, we can do more harm than good.”
At this time of year, the soil beneath gravel roads often remains partially frozen. As frost comes out of the ground, melting snow or rain cannot drain through the road’s subbase because frozen layers beneath the surface restrict movement. Instead, water remains trapped at or near the surface.
“As frost starts to come out of the ground, moisture rises to the surface,” said Steve Roon, director of maintenance and local road construction at the Kent County Road Commission. “The top of the road gets soft, muddy and unstable, especially under traffic.”
Operating heavy grading equipment under these conditions can further damage the roadway. Disturbing a saturated surface can deepen ruts and compromise the road’s structure. Adding new gravel at this stage can also be ineffective, as material placed on a wet or partially frozen base will not compact properly and can delay the drying process.
“If the base is still frozen or saturated, new gravel won’t compact the way it should,” Hildebrand said. “It can shift, rut and wash out, and we end up back in the same spot, or worse. The right repair at the wrong time just doesn’t hold.”
Warmer temperatures and lower precipitation are necessary for gravel roads to dry and stabilize. Once the road base fully thaws, crews can properly shape and compact the surface for longer-lasting performance.
Until then, road agencies will do what they can to address issues. “We monitor conditions daily. We spot-grade where it helps. We address problem areas when equipment can operate without compromising the road’s integrity,” said Roon.
During this time, the agencies are asking for the assistance of motorists.
“Soft roads are more vulnerable to damage from speed and heavy loads,” Hildebrand said. “Slowing down makes a real difference during this window.”
As temperatures stabilize and roads dry out, grading operations will increase across both counties and throughout the state.
“We know rough gravel roads are frustrating. Trust us, we drive them too. But waiting for the right conditions is how we protect the road long-term and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Roon said.
About 18 percent of the roads in Ottawa County – 303 miles in total – are gravel roads, county Road Commission spokesman Alex Doty said.
