Dust Abatement

Low Volume Roads Dust Abatement Program


The Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) maintains over 400 miles of unpaved roads throughout unincorporated Maricopa County. With the population increasing along these roads, dust suppression is more important than ever. MCDOT is committed to reducing airborne dust pollution and increase our air quality.

Preventative Measures


MCDOT utilizes many preventative measures to control dust:
  • Dirt road dust suppression
  • Dirt road paving
  • Erosion Control
  • Landscaping
  • Placement of rock products
  • Shoulder stabilization
To be eligible for MCDOT's Low Volume Roads Program, the road must already be part of the MCDOT's roadway maintenance system. It is important to note that not all roadways within unincorporated Maricopa County are "county roads" that are owned and operated by MCDOT.

Official Roads


Official county roads include:
  • Roadways identified within the MCDOT operation and maintenance system prior to 1990
  • Roadways constructed to minimum County standards, at no cost to Maricopa County (i.e. Subdivision Plats, County Improvement Districts or offsite permit improvements), approved by the county Board of Supervisors
  • Roadways included in MCDOT's construction programs, such as the Transportation Improvement Program or the Low Volume Roads Program.

How do I determine if my unpaved road is a Maricopa County operated road?


The Road Information Tool (RIT) offers residents an easy-to-use web-based application to obtain key information about roadway characteristics.

Please contact the Maricopa County Air Quality Department if you are experiencing high levels of dust in your area.

County Improvement Districts


If you do not live on a County operated road, you may be eligible to form a County Improvement District (CID) to pave your road. CID's allow residents in unincorporated areas of the County to join together to finance improvements to their neighborhoods. Neighbors must initiate the request to form a CID and coordinate with MCDOT to implement the process.

Contact the Maricopa County Office of the Superintendent of Streets for more information regarding County Improvement Districts at 602-506-8797.