Management of unsealed roads in drought conditions

In 2018 the entire State of NSW was declared to be in drought; however, Councils must maintain a safe network of unsealed roads regardless of the conditions. Dry conditions can accelerate defects in the surface of the road such as corrugations, and loose material. Fine particles in the soil are also lost to dust, which is detrimental to human health, and the environment, and the loss of fine particles leaves the road more susceptible to future damage. If roads are maintained to a high standard, it will be more resilient to adverse weather conditions such as drought or flooding. By improving asset management systems, and maintenance methods, unsealed roads can be improved in quality at a lower cost. Council’s affected by drought in NSW were surveyed to investigate what methods they have employed to maintain the condition of the unsealed road network during drought conditions. The most important quality of an unsealed road to ensure the road’s longevity through adverse weather conditions is the pavement material. This material can be improved by stabilisation and other additives, or by importing better quality material