How to Fix a Sinking Gravel Driveway

Mark the low area of the driveway with a garden stake, and lay a plastic tarp near each pit.

Shovel out loose rocks from the spot and dig straight down with a shovel. Dig until you reach the subsoil beneath the gravel. Dump the gravel on the tarp to reuse over the patched area.

Tamp the subsoil at the bottom of the hole with the end of a 4-by-4 inch wood board or a tamping tool.

Fill the hole with a 4 inch layer of large 1 1/4 inch gravel. Tamp the rocks down until the angular edges wedge together. (see ref 1)

Fill in the hole with 3/4 inch gravel until it is 2 inches from the surface, tamping it down as you go. This layer of rocks will leave enough space for water to drain while providing a strong base for the surface gravel.

Fill in the rest of the hole with the gravel from the tarp and tamp it.

Pour a 2-inch layer of 3/8 inch gravel and stone dust down the center of the driveway and rake it into a smooth crown. The lowest point of the driveway must be along the sides and the highest point at the center for proper drainage.