A method of packing for road maintenance that consists of gate side packs 3 to 5 yd (2.7 to 4.6 m) wide, next a gap of at least the width of the road, and finally a large pack 5 to 7 yd (4.6 to 6.4 m) wide. The waste packs are made at least 2 yd (1.8 m) wide and not less in width than twice the thickness of the seam. The gaps provided in strip packing are kept clear of supports and allow the roof to break up and flow toward them. This puts the strata in tension over the roads and reduces fracture and crush.