Frost lifts driveways built on wet clay. We dig out the soft soil, build a compacted Class 5 base and grade the drive so melt water heads away from the garage.
Frost heave is the enemy of Minnesota driveways. Water in the soil under a drive freezes, expands and lifts it, then lets it drop in spring. We dig out the old drive and soft soil, build a base of crushed rock thick enough for the soil type, and grade it so water drains away from the house and garage. On clay till, a thicker base and good drainage at the edges make a big difference.
Most of our driveway work in the cities is tearing out cracked concrete or asphalt and building a new base for the paving contractor. Steep driveways on hillside lots in Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Golden Valley need extra care with drainage, so water does not run down the drive into the garage. We set the grades the paving contractor needs and coordinate the curb cut with the city.
On larger lots and rural parcels, we build gravel drives and access roads with a crowned surface, ditches and culverts where needed. Spring thaw is when gravel drives fail, so drainage is designed first. Driveway aprons and curb cuts on city streets need a permit, and the city sets the width and the materials. Snow storage beside the drive is planned so melt water drains away from it.
Driveways & roads in Minneapolis: common questions
How thick should a driveway base be here?
It depends on the soil and the paving. Clay needs more base than sand, and the paving contractor sets the minimum.
Can you widen my driveway?
Usually, if the city approves the curb cut and the setback. We dig and build the base for the new section.
Do you build gravel drives?
Yes, on larger lots and rural properties, with a crown, ditches and culverts as needed.
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.