The Hidden Costs of Site Access: Why Your Driveway, Street, and Utilities Matter More Than You Think

When homeowners or business owners think about construction costs, they picture lumber, stone, steel, and concrete. But one of the most overlooked—and most expensive—factors isn’t what goes into the building. It’s how we get materials and equipment onto your site in the first place.

In Massachusetts, where narrow streets, steep driveways, and tight neighborhoods are common, site access can quietly add thousands of dollars to a project. Here’s how.

Driveway Width and Slope

That narrow, tree-lined driveway that’s perfect for a car can be a nightmare for a triaxle dump truck or excavator. If a large truck can’t fit, we’re forced to:

• Switch to smaller trucks (more trips = more cost).

• Stage materials farther away and transfer them with smaller machines.

• Sometimes even build temporary access roads or widen driveways.

A steep or uneven slope adds to the challenge, especially in wet weather when traction is poor.

Overhead Wires and Tree Branches

It’s not just the ground we worry about. Overhead power lines, low-hanging wires, or tree canopies can block dump trailers from lifting or prevent cranes from operating safely. Solutions like live-floor trailers or smaller equipment work, but they come at a premium.

Soil Strength and Ground Conditions

A soft yard or muddy site can’t support heavy trucks without damage. To protect your property and keep trucks from sinking, we might need to:

• Lay down mats or stone for stabilization.

• Break deliveries into smaller loads.

• Use tracked equipment instead of wheeled machines.

These protective steps are necessary, but they add time and material costs.

Street Regulations in Massachusetts

Each town has its own rules on trucking and construction access. Common restrictions include:

• No heavy trucks on certain residential roads.

• Weight limits on bridges and side streets.

• Limited delivery hours or noise ordinances.

That means even if your site could physically handle a triaxle truck, the town might not allow it—forcing us to adapt with smaller loads.

Utility Conflicts

Water lines, gas mains, and sewer systems often run right where we need to bring equipment. Crossing over these utilities requires careful planning—or lighter equipment—to prevent damage. Sometimes this even triggers permits and inspections that stretch the schedule.

Why This Matters for Your Budget

Site access has a domino effect:

• Smaller trucks = more trips.

• More trips = higher trucking and labor costs.

• Added prep work (like mats, tree trimming, or driveway repair) = more line items you may not have expected.

The difference between a wide-open commercial site and a cramped residential lot can swing costs by tens of thousands of dollars.

Amex Construction’s Approach

At Amex, we don’t just bid on the materials and labor—we plan for how those materials actually get to your site. By evaluating driveways, road access, utilities, and local regulations up front, we give you an accurate cost picture from day one. No surprises, no excuses—just solutions.