Unconventional Use of Junk Cars for Erosion Control

In the 1960s, highway engineers in Utah used junk cars filled with gravel as a substitute for traditional riprap materials to stabilize the embankment and prevent erosion in Catstair Canyon. This unusual solution, known as 'Detroit riprap,' was also used in other areas, such as along Nebraska's Loup River.

The cars, stacked tightly together and covered in dirt, have been supporting the weight of traffic for over six decades. The use of junk cars for erosion control is a historical curiosity that showcases the resourcefulness of engineers in the past. The practice was part of the golden age of American roadway expansion.

According to reports, the cars have become a unique remnant of this era. The use of 'Detroit riprap' is an interesting example of the innovative solutions that have been used in the development of American infrastructure.