Driveways and rural access

Formation first, metal second

A driveway that potholes and rutts every winter almost never has a metal problem. It has a formation problem. Topsoil left under the base, no crossfall, and no way for water to escape, so the base stays saturated and traffic breaks it up.

We strip the topsoil out of the formation, shape and compact the subgrade with a fall on it, then build the base up in compacted layers. On soft or peaty ground we lay geotextile so the base course does not simply disappear down into the subgrade over a few seasons.

The road end matters most

The entrance is the part that gets the heaviest use, the sharpest turning and all the water coming off the road. It is also the part your council has rules about.

Vehicle crossings, culvert size and sight lines are usually controlled by the local council, and on a new build the crossing often has to be in place before other work can proceed. We install the culvert at the right invert, build the crossing up so it takes the turning traffic, and form the ends so they do not scour out.

Long rural access

On a lifestyle block or a back section, the driveway is effectively a private road. It has to carry a concrete truck, a furniture lorry and eventually a fire appliance, not just the car.

That means thinking about width, passing places, turning space at the house end and grade on the steep bits. It also means drainage the whole way along rather than just near the house, because a long driveway collects a lot of water.

What we do

• Set out, clearing and topsoil strip
• Subgrade shaped, crowned or crossfalled, and compacted
• Geotextile over soft ground where required
• Base course placed in layers and compacted
• Running course placed and rolled, or prepared to seal or concrete
• Vehicle crossings and culvert installation at the road boundary
• Side drains, sumps and cut off drains
• Passing bays, turning areas and parking
• Preparation for chip seal, asphalt or concrete finish