Asphalt Paving in Rochester, WA

Asphalt paving in Rochester often starts with a gravel driveway and a lot of open ground. Rochester is an unincorporated community in southwest Thurston County, founded in 1852 and platted in 1890, and it is growing quickly: the census-designated place counted 2,388 residents in 2010 and 6,064 in 2020. It is ringed by protected land, including the Black River Habitat Management Area, Glacial Heritage Preserve and the Scatter Creek Unit, with the Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve just to the north.

Very gravelly ground

The Mima mounds sit on what soil scientists describe as very gravelly prairie soil, glacial outwash left by the Vashon ice sheet, which ended in southern Thurston County. That kind of ground drains fast and can make a solid base. It is also loose at the surface, so we strip topsoil, compact the subgrade and add crushed rock until the base is firm, then support the edges so they do not ravel into the yard. Near the Black River and in low swales, the soil can stay wet much longer, and we plan for more excavation and rock in those spots.

Long driveways and rural lots

Many Rochester properties have long gravel drives off county roads. Converting them to asphalt is a common request. On very long drives, we often quote options: pave the whole length, or pave the apron at the road and the parking area at the house first. We size thickness to the traffic, with heavier sections for trucks, trailers and farm equipment.

County roads and encroachment permits

Because Rochester is unincorporated, roads here are generally Thurston County roads. The county calls a new or relocated driveway connecting to a county road an encroachment, which requires a permit from Public Works. The county also requires a Fill and Grade permit when clearing 7,000 square feet or more or excavating 50 cubic yards or more, which can matter on a long new driveway. We check what applies before work starts.

Community lots

For businesses, churches and community buildings around Rochester, we patch, overlay, sealcoat and stripe lots, and we can schedule around events such as Swede Day in June.

Best season

Summer is the best time to pave out here, when the ground is dry and warm. We use temporary fixes to keep a driveway usable in winter if needed.

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