Published on Tuesday, 3 December 2024 at 9:00:00 AM

What is an unsealed road?
If a road is unsealed, it means that it is not covered with a hard material like concrete or asphalt, and are typically made of loose material like gravel or dirt.

Road conditions can and do change after grading; unsealed roads (gravel) are often more slippery after they’ve been graded than they were before grading. These can change quickly, with the biggest contributing factors being:

• Weather - dry, wet, or rapidly changing. During dry periods, grading tends to spread loose gravel over the road, and in wet conditions, moisture can penetrate the gravel layer before the road surface has formed a dense crust.
• Traffic - volume, frequency and speed. Conditions can change depending on how much a road is used, especially if there is an unexpected situation that causes it to be used more or less than before.
• Vehicle types - different weights and tyres. At the same time as the volume and speed of traffic, the weight of a vehicle and the types of tyres they have can impact unsealed roads in different ways, whether it's a hatchback or a truck.

These can’t be controlled. That’s why everyone must drive to suit the conditions of the road.

Also, did you know that the Shire is responsible for approximately 400km of unsealed roads and owns only 2 graders? This means that our maintenance and works must be planned carefully and effectively. The detour to Irishtown (Kelly Road) has been upgraded - here’s how you can help to keep it in good condition:

• Stay alert & aware. Understand the nature of unsealed roads, and expect the unexpected - they will be rough and muddy or dusty at times. Never assume an unsealed road is going to be the same as it was the last time you drove on it, even if it is on the same day.
• Reduce heavy vehicle movements in rainy weather, and be mindful of potholes. A road will be more vulnerable when saturated, and heavy vehicles can cause significant damage to a wet road - especially one that has just been graded. Delay truck movements until roads dry out.
• Slow down - travelling quickly causes more dust, potholes and corrugations. Over time, unsealed roads become corrugated, potholed, rough, slippery, muddy and/or dusty. Drivers must remain vigilant when driving on unsealed roads.

More about Unsealed Roads (Works & Services)

Irishtown Road: Incident Information Page

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