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1. How often will a dirt road be graded?

Graham County maintains approximately 600 miles of unimproved, unsurfaced dirt roads. One of the most important recurring functions of the Highway Department is to grade these roads. County dirt roads are graded at various time intervals, depending on the road’s classification. Due to the County’s extremely dry climate, the roads are often dusty and corrugated. More frequent dry blading only makes these conditions worse. Drivers are cautioned to drive at prudent speeds and exercise due caution on dirt roads. Potentially hazardous situations should be reported to the Highway Maintenance Division. For more questions please Contact the Highway Department.

2. How can I get my road maintained by the County?

Graham County is governed by State Statutes as to how public funds are spent on roadways. If the road in question is not currently in the Graham County Road Maintenance System and has not been accepted by the Board of Supervisors for maintenance, then the use of HURF funds is governed by State Statute §28-6705 which states: 

“The Board of Supervisors may expend public funds for maintenance of public roads and streets other than legally designated state and county highways located outside the limits of an incorporated city or town. Before expending public funds thereon, such roads or streets shall be laid out, opened and constructed without cost to the county and fully completed in accordance with a plat approved pursuant to §11-802 and §11-806.1, and in accordance with standard engineering road specifications adopted by the County Board of Supervisors to insure uniform compliance. Public funds may be expended by the Board of Supervisors for maintenance of public roads and streets laid out, constructed and opened prior to June 13, 1975 even if such roads and streets were not constructed in accordance with subsection “A” of this section.

For further inquiries, please contact the Highway Department.

3. Who is responsible for cleaning out my driveway culvert?

The Highway Department does not maintain or clean out driveway culverts. This is the sole responsibility of the property owner. Culverts under roadways are on the maintenance schedule of the Highway Department.

4. Who should I call if I see a traffic sign down or damaged?

If you should see a traffic sign down or damaged, it should be reported to the Highway Department by calling 928-428-3652.

5. Can I do work of any kind in the County Right-Of-Way?

A permit must be obtained before work can be done in the right-of-way. This would include public utilities, contractors or individuals, for purposes other than transportation, (e.g. trenching or cutting) in the right-of-way. There is a filing and inspection fee charged to each applicant to assure that the use of the County property is in compliance with permit conditions. The only exemption to this requirement would be if the work is to be performed on a non-County maintained roadway and is not utility related. The phone number for Planning and Zoning and Engineering is 928-428-0410. Visit our Permits Page to learn more.

6. What to do when it rains?

Since County dirt roads become extremely muddy when it rains:

1. Reduce your speed.
2. Expect delays.
3. Avoid driving in or through washes and dips
4. Increase your following distance.

Visit our Highway Page for more information.

7. How can you help us?

Citizens can assist us by reporting potentially hazardous road and drainage conditions to the Highway Department and by noting the exact location of the problem (street and cross street). The phone number of the Highway Department is 928-428-3652. Emergencies occurring during non-business hours and on weekends should be reported to the Sheriff’s Department at 928-428-3141. The County can then take appropriate action.