How to Build a Driveway Up a Hillside

Plot the route from the street to the end point before the equipment arrives. Plan the driveway for a width of 12 to 16 feet for straight runs.

Allow a maximum slope of 12 foot rise in 100 feet of length, or 12 percent. Locate switchbacks -- parallel to the slope -- to lessen the grade as space allows. Widen the driveway at curves. Keep embankments or cut slopes to a ratio of 2:1 -- horizontal to vertical -- for stability.

Prepare a transition zone with slopes with a maximum of 5 percent -- 5 feet rise over 100 feet -- for a length of at least 6 feet where the driveway meets the street, or as required by local regulations.

Slope the driveway to shed water from the driveway surface. Discharge the runoff to a ditch or to a pipe discharging to a ditch.

Meet the grade where the driveway intersects the street. Slope the entrance to drain water to a ditch or open space and away from the street.

Remove soft soil and organic matter. Rough grade the driveway within the minimum and maximum slope parameters. Excavate ditches or swales as needed.

Spread up to 4 inches of 2-inch gravel. Compact with the wheels of the skid steer loader. Add 2 to 4 inches of crush or road mix gravel and compact.