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Low-Volume & Gravel Roads

Select Publications

Here's a list of select resources compiled by Minnesota LTAP.

Guide to Converting Distressed Low-Volume Paved Roads to Unpaved Roads (LRRB, 2020)
The Minnesota LRRB has produced a report, guidebook, technical summary, webinar, and presentation on this topic.

Gravel Road Management Tool (LRRB, 2019)
The Minnesota LRRB developed a spreadsheet tool to help local agencies manage their gravel road systems, such as tracking maintenance data, construction data, and costs. A User Guide (PDF) provides supplemental guidance.

Optimal RAP Content for Minnesota Gravel Roads (MnDOT/LRRB, 2019)
This report concluded that the optimal RAP content for unpaved road surfaces changes according to the properties of the materials used, testing methods, and site conditions.

Investigating the Necessity and Prioritizing Pavement Markings on Low-Volume Roads (MnDOT, 2018)
This project developed a prioritization approach and spreadsheet tool to assist local agencies in better understanding the value, cost, and need for markings along their roadways to make the best use of available budgets.

Converting Paved Roads to Unpaved (TRB, 2016)
This report, NCHRP Synthesis 485, explores how common and under what conditions paved roads are converted to unpaved.

Gravel Roads Construction and Maintenance Guide (FHWA and South Dakota Local Technical Assistance Program, 2015)
A comprehensive manual that addresses most issues that deal with gravel road maintenance. It is designed for local agency officials, managers, and grader operators who are responsible for designing and maintaining gravel surfaced roads.

Gravel Road Management Tools (MnDOT, 2014)
The Local Road Research Board (LRRB) conducted this study to understand the gravel road management needs of Minnesota local agencies.The report includes a summary of local and national survey findings, a matrix of existing gravel road management tools used in the U.S., and appendices with detailed survey results and interview summaries with software vendors.

To Pave or Not to Pave - Technical Brochure (Minnesota LTAP, 2006)
A comprehensive product that includes a technical brochure, research reports, and PowerPoint presentations to help local agencies make policy decisions for maintaining and upgrading gravel roads.

Economics of Upgrading an Aggregate Road (Minnesota Local Road Research Board, 2005)
This report describes a research project that provides Minnesota counties, and townships with information and procedures to make informed decisions on when it may be advantageous to upgrade and pave gravel roads. It also provides resources to assist in explaining to the public why certain maintenance or construction techniques and policy decisions are made.

Videos

Select Websites

Image of low-volume road

These select websites, compiled by Minnesota LTAP, can help you find more information on this topic.

These pre-constructed searches can help you find current resources on this topic.

More Information

The Minnesota LTAP Librarian can help you find and obtain LTAP and CTS publications and research, as well as transportation-related materials from other libraries and databases. Please email ctslib@umn.edu.