Extending Gravel Driveway

[Dynasty]

I have an existing gravel driveway that I would like to add a "bump out" to. The "bump out" will be approximately 20' wide x 70' long. The existing driveway is a bunch of #1 and #2 stone topped with 57 limestone. Should I copy the way the existing gravel drive is (use #1 and #2 stone as base then top with 57 limestone) or will I be OK throwing 3" of 57 limestone on the dirt and compacting it with a heavy piece of machinery? The extension will not be heavily used which is why if I can save some money, I would like to take advantage of that.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Probably will be ok with just the limestone being it will not be used much, but it might get really soft with a lot of moisture / rain. I would rather do it right once the first time, so you might want to bite the price and do it like the drive.

 

[Ford850]

I’d use a base of 304’s and then a skim coat of 57’s on top. 3” of 57’s would stay too loose.

 

[chim]

Not sure if stone terminology is universal, but when we built the excavator first placed a thick layer of 3A Modified (mix ranging from 2" down to fine) and then a layer of 2A Modified (mix ranging from 1" down to fine). Everything locked in and it held up well. The only time I've ever used what we call "clean" stone was for drainage behind some foundation walls in combination with Mirafi fiber over that eggcrate plastic. We had a pile left over at the shop and spread it on an area that needed some attention. It was like driving on marbles.

 

[bigtiller]

I have an existing gravel driveway that I would like to add a "bump out" to. The "bump out" will be approximately 20' wide x 70' long. The existing driveway is a bunch of #1 and #2 stone topped with 57 limestone. Should I copy the way the existing gravel drive is (use #1 and #2 stone as base then top with 57 limestone) or will I be OK throwing 3" of 57 limestone on the dirt and compacting it with a heavy piece of machinery? The extension will not be heavily used which is why if I can save some money, I would like to take advantage of that.

That is what I did with the seldom used portion of my "U" shaped driveway. Some years I need to barricade it for a week when the frost goes out in the spring because it gets soft. I do that to keep others off of it. Our vehicles are fine but the tandem wheeled garbage truck and some delivery trucks would cause some rutting.

Most of the labor comes later when the weeds start growing. I spot spray round-up every 3 weeks or so to keep the limestone white rather than grassy.

 

[Cord]

The most important and unseen part of a driveway is it’s base. Don’t get lazy and just spread the stone on top of the dirt. Remove all of the topsoil and put down at least 6” of base stone.

 

[Buppies]

Cord is correct

 

[CADplans]

Cord is correct

I agree,,
my loggers built a road, and hauled over 160 loads of wood out during the wettest spring in local history
The 2 inch stone they put down never even got muddy,,

This year, I capped that road with about an inch of 57's, it is even nice to walk on,,,

 

[CADplans]

Since it is only 70 feet, here is what my loggers did to get over a SUPER wet spot,,
Everyone needs their own corduroy road,,

They did cap the wood with 2" stone, that is a perfect piece of road.

 

[fried1765]

Won't be so "perfect" 20 years from now though, when the wood has rotted out.