Why are McMillan’s rural roads rough and dusty?
Gravel roads were originally constructed when speeds on side roads were under 45 MPH. Past generations were pleased to just get through to their homes. By nature the surface of these roads decomposes rapidly and dust and pot holes result. Increased traffic especially at high speeds accelerates this process. The roads can be graded, but that decreases the effectiveness of the chloride placed on the road for dust control. Smoother roads and dry material lead to increased speeds and a significant dust problem. Residents will need to choose. Dust and rapidly changing road conditions are unfortunately a reality of rural living. Over the years some township roads were blacktopped or were surfaced with crushed blacktop. We now have most residents living within one mile of a hard surfaced road. Some additional roads are projected for blacktopping. The availability of tax dollars for additional blacktopping may be limited in the future and this will of course determine when additional hard surf
