A rural drive that turns to mud by February needs more than new gravel. We rebuild the base, add fabric and ditches, and give water a way off.
Rural parcels in Brush Prairie, Battle Ground, La Center and the hills around Camas and Washougal often have long gravel driveways and private roads. We clear the route, strip the topsoil and roots, cut and fill to a steady grade, and build a compacted crushed rock base thick enough to stay firm through a wet winter. A wide, firm turnaround near the house helps delivery trucks and fire engines.
Water is what destroys gravel roads here. A drive that holds water turns soft and rutted by February, and one that channels water down its middle washes out. We crown the drive, cut ditches along the sides, set culverts where it crosses a ditch or stream, and use geotextile fabric under the rock on soft clay so the base does not sink into the mud.
In town, we dig out and prepare the base for new concrete, asphalt and paver driveways, remove old ones and widen drives for parking. Work in the right-of-way and new driveway approaches need a permit from the city or the county, and crossings of streams or ditches can need their own approval. Where a new drive meets an old one, we cut a clean joint so the two surfaces match.
Driveways & roads in Vancouver: common questions
Why does my gravel drive turn to mud every winter?
The base is too thin or sits on wet clay with no fabric and no drainage. A thicker rock base, fabric and ditches fix it.
Do I need a culvert where my drive meets the road?
Usually yes, wherever a ditch runs along the road. Clark County or the city sets the culvert size and issues the permit.
Can you build a fire-truck access road?
Yes. We build to the width, grade and turnaround the fire district requires for your parcel.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the site with you.
- Written quote: Scope, equipment and price in writing.
- Utility locate & plan: We have utilities marked and plan access, haul-off and erosion control.
- Dig, grade & clean up: We complete the work, grade the site and haul away spoil.