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This upgrade of 7km of the Pacific Highway at Glenugie, just south of Grafton in NSW, is part of the larger multi-billion dollar endeavour to reduce travel time and improve safety on the Pacific Highway.
Part of any effective road network is its durability and reliability, both of which can be periodically compromised if not designed to an appropriate level of flood immunity. We developed hydrologic and hydraulic models, allowing us to inform the client and other highway design disciplines of the required cross-drainage infrastructure.
The study also included an investigation into the impact of climate change on local hydrology and the consequential change in highway flood immunity.
Our highways team were able to improve travel times and safety with this upgrade, while our water engineering experts have mitigated the risk of flood damage and improved longevity. We were also able to design around fauna, creating three fauna underpasses and aerial crossings for local species including Koala.
Project Summary
7km section of the Pacific Highway
2dedicated fauna underpasses
12combined drainage / fauna underpasses
Improving longevity
The study also included an investigation into the impact of climate change on local hydrology and the consequential change in highway flood immunity.
Our highways team were able to improve travel times and safety with this upgrade, while our water engineering experts have mitigated the risk of flood damage and improved longevity.
As part of reducing the ecological footprint on the project, we were also able to design around fauna, creating three fauna underpasses and aerial crossings for local species including Koala.
With an emphasis placed on environmental protection of the local flora and fauna, the new highway provides further connectivity for the growing population in northern NSW while minimising the impact of the area’s unique environmental features.
We received a letter of commendation from the Office of Environment and Heritage of the NSW Government in recognition of exceptional environmental management and water quality measures that were incorporated into the design.
