Road and Access Drive Grading
Professional grading for roads, access drives, and subdivision infrastructure across South Florida. We coordinate licensed contractors to achieve proper crown, cross-slopes, and drainage features required for safe vehicle access and effective water management.
Road and access drive grading is critical for proper drainage, vehicle safety, and infrastructure longevity. Our network of licensed contractors has the expertise and equipment to deliver precise elevations and proper slopes for all types of roadways.
Who This Service Is For
Road and access drive grading services are essential for developers, general contractors, subdivision developers, commercial property owners, and anyone preparing roadways for paving or infrastructure installation.
Whether you're developing a new subdivision, building access roads for a commercial development, or upgrading existing roadways, proper grading ensures water drains correctly, provides safe vehicle access, and meets engineering specifications. We coordinate contractors with the right equipment and expertise for your specific project needs.
Typical Project Sizes
Road and access drive grading projects typically range from $30,000 to $100,000 for single access drives, and $100,000 to $500,000+ for subdivision road networks depending on length, width, drainage requirements, and site conditions.
What Road and Access Drive Grading Includes
Crown Grading
Creating proper crown (center high point) in roadways to direct water to the sides and into drainage systems. Crown grading prevents water from pooling in the center of roads and ensures proper drainage flow.
Cross-Slope Grading
Establishing proper cross-slopes (typically 2-3%) across road width to direct water to roadside drainage. Cross-slopes must be consistent along the entire road length for effective water management.
Longitudinal Slope Grading
Grading along the road length to achieve proper longitudinal slopes (typically 0.5-6% minimum) for drainage while maintaining safe vehicle access. Slopes must balance drainage needs with vehicle safety requirements.
Subgrade Preparation
Grading and compaction of subgrade material to proper elevations and density for base course and pavement installation. Subgrade must be properly graded to support road loads and prevent settlement.
Drainage Feature Grading
Grading around catch basins, swales, and drainage inlets to ensure proper water flow into drainage systems. Road grading must work in conjunction with drainage infrastructure for effective water management.
Transition Grading
Smooth transitions between different road sections, intersections, and connections to existing roadways. Transition grading ensures smooth vehicle access and proper drainage flow at connection points.
South Florida Road Grading Considerations
Grading for roads and access drives in South Florida requires specialized knowledge of local conditions and regulatory requirements:
- Stormwater Management: Roads must be graded to direct water to stormwater inlets, swales, or retention areas to meet South Florida Water Management District and county requirements. Proper grading prevents flooding and reduces stormwater runoff into roadways.
- High Water Table: South Florida's high water table affects subgrade preparation and may require additional base course material or elevation adjustments. Proper drainage is critical to prevent water from undermining road foundations.
- Flood Zone Requirements: Roads in flood zones may need to be graded to specific elevations above base flood elevation. This affects grading depth and may require additional fill material or elevation adjustments.
- Subdivision Infrastructure: Subdivision roads require coordination with utility installation, drainage systems, and lot grading. Road grading must be sequenced properly with other infrastructure work.
- Permit Requirements: Road grading typically requires permits from county building departments and may require additional permits from SFWMD for stormwater management. Subdivision roads may require additional approvals.
- Engineering Specifications: Roads must be graded to exact elevations and slopes specified in engineering drawings. Crown, cross-slopes, and longitudinal slopes must meet engineering requirements for proper drainage and vehicle safety.
The Road and Access Drive Grading Process
Our coordinated approach ensures your road or access drive meets all specifications and regulatory requirements:
- Project Review: We review your engineering drawings, road design, and site plans to understand grading requirements. This includes identifying drainage points, utility locations, and any site constraints.
- Permit Coordination: We help identify required grading permits and coordinate with local building departments and regulatory agencies. Subdivision roads may require additional approvals and inspections.
- Contractor Selection: We match your project with licensed contractors who have the right equipment (motor graders, compactors, laser-guided systems) and experience for precise road grading.
- Rough Grading: Contractors perform initial earthmoving to achieve approximate elevations and establish the general road profile. This establishes the basic grade and prepares the area for fine grading.
- Fine Grading: Precise grading work using laser-guided equipment to achieve exact elevations and slopes specified in engineering drawings. Fine grading creates proper crown, cross-slopes, and longitudinal slopes.
- Subgrade Compaction: Proper compaction of subgrade material to meet engineering specifications for road foundation support. Compaction testing ensures subgrade meets density requirements.
- Final Inspection: We coordinate final grading inspections with building departments, engineers, and paving contractors to ensure the graded road meets all specifications and is ready for base course and paving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crown grading for roads?
Crown grading creates a center high point (crown) in roadways with water flowing to the sides toward drainage systems. Crown grading prevents water from pooling in the center of roads and ensures proper drainage. Typical crown height is 2-4 inches above the edges, creating a slight arch in the road surface.
What slope is required for road drainage?
Roads typically require a minimum longitudinal slope of 0.5% (0.5 feet of fall per 100 feet) for drainage, with a maximum of 6% for vehicle safety. Cross-slopes should be 2-3% to direct water to roadside drainage. Proper slopes prevent water from pooling and ensure effective drainage.
How much does access drive grading cost?
Access drive grading costs vary based on length, width, site conditions, and drainage requirements. Typical single access drives range from $30,000 to $100,000, while subdivision road networks can range from $100,000 to $500,000+ depending on scope. Factors affecting cost include site access, required earthwork, and drainage complexity.
Do subdivision roads need special permits?
Yes, subdivision roads typically require permits from county building departments and may require additional permits from SFWMD for stormwater management. Subdivision roads may also require approval from planning departments and coordination with utility providers. We help identify and coordinate all required permits.
What is the difference between subgrade and base course?
Subgrade is the native soil that has been graded and compacted to proper elevations. Base course is the layer of crushed stone or aggregate placed on top of the subgrade before paving. Subgrade grading establishes the road profile, while base course provides additional support for the pavement. Both must be properly graded and compacted.
Service Locations
We coordinate road and access drive grading across all of South Florida. Select your location to learn more about grading services in your area: