Poor drainage:

• Lack of a proper crown on the road surface allows water to pool, soaking the gravel and making it susceptible to erosion by traffic.

• The driveway may sit lower than the ground, this causes water to pool and can displace gravel.  Often times it take significantly longer for water to drain.

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Heavy traffic:
Repeated vehicle weight on a water-saturated gravel surface can quickly deteriorate the road and create potholes. 

• Driving to fast can quickly start to displace gravel causing ruts and potholes

• Repetitive turning in the same spot can start to cause low spots that will hold water and start to create potholes

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Freeze-thaw cycles:

• When water freezes in the gravel, it expands, displacing the particles and creating loose areas that become potholes when the ice thaws. Wisconsin winters can often do a lot of damage in a small amount of time due to this. 

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Subgrade issues:

• If the soil beneath the gravel is weak or unstable, it can easily become saturated with water and contribute to pothole formation.

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Improper base material :

• Proper base material is needed at the installation of the driveway to help prevent potholes.  

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Plowing:

Plowing your driveway will cause alot of damage by displacing gravel, creating low spots, taking the crown out of the driveway etc.  Often times the most damage is done early winter or late winter when the grown is not completely frozen.  

 

How to prevent potholes in gravel roads:

• Proper drainage: Ensure the road has a good crown to direct water off the surface. 

• Regular maintenance: Periodic grading and shaping of the road to maintain the crown and remove loose gravel. 

• Quality gravel mix: Use a well-graded gravel mix with a good balance of particle sizes. 

• Addressing subgrade issues: Stabilize weak subgrade soils to improve drainage and support the gravel layer.

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