A trenching service cuts trenches for water, sewer, electrical, and drainage lines. We size and slope each trench to spec, then backfill and compact it properly so the ground stays solid and the lines stay protected for years to come.
Since 1972
Road & Driveway Work in Ishpeming, MI
We grade and gravel driveways and private roads for homeowners and site managers across Ishpeming. Fifty-plus years of local know-how means it's done right the first time.
Road and driveway work from Carlson-Loy Trucking & Excavating covers grading, base prep, and gravel installation for residential driveways and private roads. We assess the site, build a stable base, and finish with the right gravel for load and drainage, serving Ishpeming and the surrounding Upper Peninsula.
50+ Years Experience
How We Select and Install Gravel and Base Material
The Three-Step Base and Gravel Process
Site assessment and clearing. We evaluate soil drainage and remove topsoil, roots, and debris down to stable subgrade.
Base material placement. We bring in crushed stone or Class II gravel sized for load-bearing strength and compact it in layers.
Final grading and crown shaping. We shape the surface with a slight crown so water sheds to the sides instead of pooling or washing out the base.
Carlson-Loy Trucking & Excavating handles road and driveway work across Ishpeming, MI, from base to finish grade.
Proper Construction Protects Your Driveway for Decades
Why Compaction and Drainage Matter Most in the Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula's frost heave, spring thaw, and heavy snow loads stress a driveway or road that isn't built right. The right base depth and compaction resist that seasonal movement instead of cracking under it.
Proper crown shaping and drainage stop washouts and potholes before they start. A well-built gravel surface from Carlson-Loy Trucking & Excavating can outlast a rushed or under-built job by many years, with minimal regrading needed.
Built to Last

Dependable Driveway & Road Preparation
Driveways and roads need to withstand changing weather, moisture, traffic, and seasonal conditions. Proper preparation and grading can help create a more functional and durable surface.
Carlson-Loy Excavating provides excavation, grading, and material services for residential driveways, private roads, access roads, and other property improvements.
Common Questions About Road and Driveway Work
How much does a gravel driveway cost in Ishpeming, MI?
Costs vary by driveway length, base depth needed, and site access, but most residential gravel driveways in Ishpeming run a few thousand dollars. We give a firm number after walking the site. Call for a free, no-obligation estimate before you budget your project.How long does it take to build a new driveway or private road?
A typical residential driveway takes one to three days once we start, depending on length and soil conditions. Larger private road jobs take longer. Weather and site prep needs can shift the schedule, so we confirm timing during your estimate visit.What type of gravel is best for a Upper Peninsula driveway?
We typically use crushed stone or Class II gravel for the base, topped with a finer aggregate for a smooth driving surface. This combination handles frost heave and heavy snow loads better than loose fill or topsoil alone.Do you regrade existing gravel driveways, or only build new ones?
We do both. If your driveway has ruts, potholes, or poor drainage, we can regrade and add fresh base material without a full rebuild. New installs and existing regrading get the same attention to compaction and crown shape.
Get Your Free Road and Driveway Estimate
Reach out for a no-obligation estimate on driveway or private road work anywhere in Ishpeming and the surrounding Upper Peninsula. Carlson-Loy Trucking & Excavating brings 50+ years of local experience to every job.





