Mesa County Tackles Road Dust with Magnesium Chloride

County approves $275,000 contract to treat dirt roads as hot, dry weather creates dusty conditions

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:23am

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A high-contrast, brightly colored silkscreen print of a road maintenance vehicle repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing Mesa County's investment in magnesium chloride treatments to reduce dust on unpaved roads.Vibrant silkscreen art celebrates Mesa County's proactive approach to maintaining safe, dust-free dirt roads.Grand Junction Today

Mesa County, Colorado has approved a $275,000 contract to treat its roughly 1,500 miles of dirt and gravel roads with magnesium chloride. The treatments help lock in moisture and reduce dust, making the roads safer to travel on. County officials say the treatments are crucial during dry years when it's difficult to repair dirt roads.

Why it matters

Dust from unpaved roads can create hazardous driving conditions, especially in hot, dry weather. The magnesium chloride treatments help mitigate this issue and maintain the integrity of the county's dirt road infrastructure.

The details

Mesa County has roughly 3,000 lane miles of roads, with about half being dirt or gravel. The magnesium chloride treatments bind the top layer of the roads together, capturing moisture and preventing dust from being kicked up by vehicles. This helps maintain the roads' curves and flatness, making them safer to travel. Each dirt road gets treated about every three years, or more frequently if needed.

  • The county approved the $275,000 contract for the treatments in 2026.
  • The treatments will be focused on roads that see more traffic and areas where dust impacts residents and their safety.
  • The treatments are expected to be carried out throughout the year, with the county able to approve additional funding if more treatments are needed.

The players

Mesa County

A county in Colorado that has roughly 3,000 lane miles of roads, with about half being dirt or gravel.

Cody Davis

A Mesa County Commissioner who discussed the benefits of the magnesium chloride treatments.

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What they’re saying

“This is kind of a concrete light. It takes that very top layer of dust and kind of binds it together, which captures the moisture inside.”

— Cody Davis, Mesa County Commissioner

“If you've ever been on a road that is wash boarded and you vibrate and it feels like it's taking you sideways, that's can be a scary experience. So what we want to do is get this mag chloride down so the road maintains its curve, maintains its flatness, so that it makes it safe to travel on as well.”

— Cody Davis, Mesa County Commissioner

What’s next

County officials say they will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the magnesium chloride treatments and may approve additional funding if more treatments are needed throughout the year.

The takeaway

Mesa County's investment in magnesium chloride treatments for its dirt and gravel roads demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining infrastructure and improving safety for residents and travelers during the region's hot, dry conditions.