paving/driveway options

Hi folks. I've lurked for years on and off and learned a lot on these forums. I'm just at the point of looking and land and am hoping someone has some suggestions for a driveway/access road across and easement for me.

I'm looking at a piece of property in Western Mass, and it ticks may of the boxes I've been looking for. We're on the fence about it due to access but are working on a possible solution prior to making an offer. The property is approximately 16 acres and there are some wetlands at the front of the property at the main road which would make access into the back area a permitting nightmare we well as a driveway nightmare in the winter. Along the southern boarder of the property is a private road and if an easement can be negotiated - prior to closing, it would solve the problem of access very handily.

The private road is owned by a community housing group who seem quite nice and it seems would make excellent neighbours - but for them to even discuss and easement they would like placement and plans. The private road is your typical asphalt road, and I'd rather not put an asphalt drive way in. I've done some searching on the forums, and online for other options in our climate but haven't been able to come up with many.

Any options for a driveway in New England with lots of winter freeze that is not gravel or clam shell? I would present a clam shell option, but I'm pretty sure they would want something more traditional looking, at least on the easement area. Has to be plowable for our winters. I was thinking concrete might be an option but many problems with that in terms of eco-building as well.

Thanks for any and all help!

How much money and labor and equipment do you have to throw at this?


If they really want something that looks "nice" and conventional, you might make a traditional concrete drive, just for the first 20', and then gravel or shell the rest of the way.