The unsealed road - also known as 21 Bends - has become an increasingly popular route from Cessnock to Maitland's ever-growing western suburbs, and to the Hunter Expressway via Sawyers Gully.

A group of residents who spoke to The Advertiser last Friday say drivers are being forced off the road due to the ruts and potholes, with at least 12 accidents occurring on the road in a four-month period.

And while hoon behaviour is common on the road, residents say the conditions are even causing safe drivers to "spin out".

The residents say they would like to see the road tarred, as it would not only improve safety for motorists, but would also reduce the impact of dust on their properties.

Old Maitland Road is identified as an "important collection road" in Cessnock City Council's Traffic and Transport Strategy, and the council is set to apply for a NSW Government grant to help fund sealing and pavement rehabilitation works on the road.

Shane Hamilton said he has also requested council install warning signs on the road.

"The speed limit is 80km/h and the road goes from tar to dirt that has dangerous ruts, corrugations and potholes," he said.

"The council has a responsibility to the public to make this road safe."

The dry weather has caused havoc for nearby properties, which are constantly covered in dust that has blown from the road - preventing residents from hanging their washing on the line and spending time outdoors.

"We bought in a rural location for the serenity and the outdoor lifestyle, but we feel like we're trapped indoors," Mr Hamilton said.

At last Wednesday's meeting, council endorsed the submission of pavement rehabilitation and sealing projects on Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully as two of five applications it will send to the NSW Government Fixing Local Roads funding program.

If successful in receiving the grant, the project would not involve road realignment works, as grant funds do not provide for major road upgrades.

The other projects include pavement rehabilitation on Mitchell Avenue and Northcote Street, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock Road, Weston.

Under its existing unsealed roads policy, council will only consider tarring gravel roads if an external funding grant is received and it has been identified for works within the council's 10-year strategic plan, or if the property owner is prepared to pay the whole cost.