A gravel road shoulder is a necessary part of all rural asphalt roadways. The shoulder serves to provide support to asphalt pavement, protect the edge of the pavement from breakage and provide extra width on narrow roadways. Gravel shoulders should be maintained at the same height at the adjoining asphalt pavement. Low shoulder areas can act as a safety hazard to drivers and bicyclists. The Public Works Department performs shouldering operations on average of 40,000-50,000 lineal feet of rural town roadways each summer.
