News, Hard-hit cities roll up pavement, lay gravel. (residential, automobile)

[JD59]

PORTLAND, Maine - Ever since the invention of the automobile, paved roads have meant progress. Now some cash-strapped towns and counties are finding progress too expensive, and they are tearing up battered roads and putting down gravel.

Cities roll up pavement, lay gravel - Life- msnbc.com

[Gerania]

"Some drivers don't like it and warn of danger ahead, including mud, dust and damage to their cars."

Ohhh, dust, now that's scary. At first, that doesn't sound like a good idea, but if a road has little traffic, gravel will suffice. Some roads in my area, southern New Jersey, have only been paved within the last few years. One runs through a wildlife management area; people now drag race on it. Gravel was better.

[tijlover]

I've been bonked over the head countless times on these forums for daring to say we're already a third world country.

More proof of this is yet to come.

[backdrifter]

There are some very minor residential streets here in Portland that really only see local traffic and they do just fine with gravel. The potholes in the winter are terrible though...

I don't see how it's a bad idea on minor residential side streets.

[arctichomesteader]

I prefer dirt/gravel roads...go slower, enjoy the scenery, drives the yuppies crazy...