Culverts & Drainage Crossings in Eau Claire, WI
Installation and replacement of driveway culverts and water crossings
Water is one of the most destructive forces affecting driveways and access roads. When runoff crosses a driveway without a controlled path underneath, it cuts ruts, softens the base, and leads to repeated washouts. Over time, even a well-built surface will fail if water is allowed to flow across it unchecked.
Serving West Central Wisconsin, 715 Excavating provides culvert installation and drainage crossing services in Eau Claire, WI, and surrounding communities. We install and replace culverts so water flows beneath access routes rather than through them, protecting driveways, road bases, and surrounding ground from erosion and failure.
Why Property Owners Choose 715 Excavating
Drainage-First Planning
We evaluate how water moves across the driveway before placing pipe so runoff is controlled instead of redirected into new problem areas.
Correct Elevation Control
Culverts are set to the proper depth and slope to prevent overtopping, pooling, or blocked flow during heavy rain.
Targeted Installation
Only the necessary sections are excavated and rebuilt, keeping surrounding areas intact and minimizing disruption.
Drive-Ready Results
Once complete, the crossing is compacted, stable, and ready for regular traffic while protecting the driveway from washouts.
Why Driveway Culverts Fail Over Time
Most culvert problems don’t happen suddenly. They develop as water volume, soil movement, and traffic stress expose weaknesses in the original installation. Culverts that are undersized, set too high or too low, or installed without proper bedding restrict water flow and force runoff onto the driveway surface. Over time, this leads to erosion around the pipe, crushed sections, blocked inlets, and recurring surface damage.
When water can’t pass freely beneath a driveway, no amount of surface gravel or grading will permanently fix the problem.
What Culvert and Drainage Crossing Work Involves
Culvert Sizing and Placement
Proper drainage starts with selecting the right pipe size and elevation based on water flow and terrain.
This includes:
- Evaluating runoff volume and direction
- Selecting a pipe diameter appropriate for the flow
- Positioning the culvert to align with natural drainage paths
- Setting elevations to prevent overtopping
Correct sizing and placement allow water to pass under the driveway without backing up or washing over the surface.
Trenching, Bedding, and Pipe Installation
A culvert is only as strong as the support beneath it.
This includes:
- Excavating the trench to proper depth and alignment
- Installing stable bedding material
- Setting the culvert to maintain consistent slope
- Backfilling and compacting to prevent settlement
Proper bedding and compaction protect the pipe from crushing and movement under traffic.
Driveway and Surface Restoration
Once the culvert is installed, the driveway structure must be rebuilt correctly above it.
This includes:
- Rebuilding base material over the pipe
- Restoring driveway grades and crown
- Shaping transitions for smooth vehicle access
- Compacting surfaces for immediate use
The finished surface sheds water properly and supports daily traffic without weak spots.
When a Culvert Is Needed, and When It’s Not
Some drainage issues can be corrected with grading alone. Others require a culvert to manage water that naturally crosses the driveway. Before recommending installation or replacement, we evaluate how water behaves across the site and how the driveway interacts with that flow.
Water Flow Pattern
We identify where water enters, crosses, and exits the driveway. Continuous or concentrated flow usually requires a culvert to move water underneath instead of across the surface.
Condition of Existing Culverts
Condition of Existing Culverts
Collapsed, rusted, or buried culverts restrict flow and often cause washouts. In these cases, replacement is usually necessary to restore drainage function.
Driveway Length and Slope
Long or sloped driveways increase runoff speed and erosion risk. Culverts are often needed to interrupt water flow before it damages the surface.
Surrounding Terrain and Ditches
Driveways tied into roadside ditches, fields, or swales often require properly aligned crossings to maintain drainage without undermining the drive.
This evaluation allows us to explain whether a culvert is required, undersized, or unnecessary before work begins.
Our Culvert Installation Process
Site Evaluation
We review drainage paths, slopes, driveway structure, and water flow behavior.
Culvert Installation or Replacement
The trench is excavated, the culvert installed with proper bedding, and backfill compacted to support traffic.
Surface Restoration
Driveway grades and surfaces are rebuilt so water flows correctly, and access is restored.
Service Areas
715 Excavating proudly serves the following communities in Western Wisconsin:
- Eau Claire, WI
- Chippewa Falls, WI
- Menomonie, WI
- New Auburn, WI
- Osseo, WI
- Bloomer, WI
- Cadott, WI
- Stanley, WI
- Thorp, WI
- Withee, WI
- Greenwood, WI
- Fall Creek, WI
- Augusta, WI
- Mondovi, WI
- Eleva, WI
- Colfax, WI
- Cornell, WI
- Elk Mound, WI
- Chetek, WI
- Holcombe, WI
What Our Customers Are Saying
Ready to Control Water Instead of Fighting It?
Recurring washouts and soft spots usually point to unmanaged water. A properly installed culvert protects the driveway structure and reduces long-term maintenance.
If water crosses your driveway or continues to cause damage, we’re ready to review the site and explain your options.
Contact 715 Excavating to schedule your drainage evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all driveways need a culvert?
No. Culverts are only needed where water naturally flows across the driveway. During the site review, we determine whether grading alone is sufficient or if a culvert is required.
Can a culvert stop recurring washouts?
Yes. When washouts are caused by water crossing the driveway, a properly sized and installed culvert addresses the root cause instead of repeated surface repairs.
Do you replace old or collapsed culverts?
Yes. We remove failed or undersized culverts and install new crossings that restore proper drainage.
Will the driveway be usable after installation?
In most cases, yes. Once backfilling and compaction are complete, the driveway is ready for normal traffic.
Does culvert work affect driveway grading?
In some cases, minor adjustments are needed at the culvert location so water can enter and exit the pipe correctly. If broader driveway regrading is recommended, we explain those options separately so you can decide what makes sense for your property.