Hi,
I need to replace a railroad tie retaining wall which is 37 years old and 55 feet long. I have decided to replace it with a poured concrete one. I have gotten 3 estimates. Two of them are around $3600 while the third one is for $8600. Big discrepancy. I've seen this contractor's work in my neighborhood, and it looks very good. The $8600 includes the hauling off of the old wall, and replacing it with a 2 foot concrete wall. Contractor will excavate 18" deep. His team will use 3000 psi straight sack concrete that cures to 4000 psi.

Two questions:

1. Does the $8600 seem reasonable for south Texas. The same contractor has given an estimate of $10,000 to replace the concrete driveway. I didn't think a retaining wall would be almost as expensive as a driveway!
2. Are French drains recommended for retaining walls or by the driveway? I really don't see a need for one as I don't have an issue with water in the yard or standing on the driveway after a heavy rain.

Thank you!