From the Outback Way to the Silverton Road, we list a few notable projects here.
Road sealing is an important aspect of transportation network maintenance because it helps to extend the life of roads, reduce maintenance costs, and increase driver safety.
Road sealing projects tend to focus on key routes with high traffic volumes that connect major regional hubs or serve as vital access points for remote communities.
In Australia, where long distances and varying climatic conditions present unique challenges to road maintenance, road sealing projects have helped address these issues.
Benefits of Road Sealing
Road sealing involves applying a layer of bitumen and aggregate materials to the road surface, creating a protective barrier. This technique has become particularly important in areas with harsh climate conditions and heavy vehicle traffic.
Here are some key advantages of road sealing:
- Waterproofing- Road sealing creates a waterproof barrier on the road’s surface, preventing water from seeping into the underlying layers. This is crucial for preventing erosion, maintaining road stability, and minimising pothole formation.
- Adaptive Engineering – Road engineers adopt road sealing techniques to meet the specific needs of each region. For instance, sealing techniques in flood-prone areas differ from those in arid regions.
- Improved Durability – The protective layer provided by road sealing strengthens the pavement to withstand heavy traffic, harsh weather conditions, and abrasive forces from vehicles.
- Dust Control – Sealing roads also keeps dust at bay. Less dust means better air quality, visibility, and driving comfort.
- Improved Safety – With proper sealing, roads offer better traction, which prevents accidents, skidding, and loss of control – especially in wet or slippery conditions. The sealed surface also has reflective road markings that help keep drivers safe at night.
- Better Accessibility – Sealed roads provide reliable access to remote communities that might otherwise be cut off during bad weather. This is especially important for emergency service vehicles and the transportation of essential goods.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs – When roads are sealed, they are less prone to cracks, potholes, and surface deterioration. This means less maintenance over the lifespan of the road.
- Environment-Friendly – By minimising dust generation and surface erosion, road sealing can help preserve surrounding ecosystems and prevent sediment runoff into bodies of water.
- Curb Appeal – Sealed roads look nicer and more polished. This can be especially important in areas that rely on tourism.
- Less Vehicle Wear and Tear – Sealed roads are more car-friendly than rough, unsealed surfaces. This means fewer repairs and maintenance costs for vehicle owners.
- Long-Term Savings – While road sealing requires a big investment upfront, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and extended road lifespan are worth the cost.
The benefits of road sealing cannot be understated. Improved road durability, driver safety, reduced maintenance costs, and positive economic impacts – these advantages contribute to more efficient transportation networks and better quality of life for residents and travellers.
Case Studies: Successful Road Sealing Projects in Australia
Here are some of the most notable and legendary road-sealing projects in the country.
1. The Outback Way
The Outback Way is a legendary project connecting Laverton in Western Australia to Winton in Queensland, traversing through remote and challenging terrains.
This project aimed to seal 2,720 kilometres of previously unsealed roads, providing travellers with an efficient and safer route.
The sealing of this route significantly improved access to remote communities, boosted tourism, and reduced the cost of maintenance.
2. Plenty Highway
The Plenty Highway, connecting Alice Springs in the Northern Territory to Boulia in Queensland, underwent sealing improvements to enhance accessibility and reduce maintenance costs.
However, only the first 100 kilometres – from Stuart Highway to Ongeva Creek – is sealed.
The project focused on sections of the road prone to flooding and erosion. By sealing these sections, the road became more resilient to harsh weather conditions, leading to improved travel reliability and reduced disruptions.
3. Strzelecki Track
The Strzelecki Track, another important route connecting South Australia and Queensland, has undergone sealing projects to enhance its durability and safety. By sealing this track, the road’s resistance to erosion and weather-related damages was significantly improved, allowing for more consistent use and reduced maintenance costs.
As of December 2022, 164 kilometres of the 472-kilometre Strzelecki Track have been sealed.
4. Silverton Road, New South Wales
Last June 2023, a final seal was applied to Silverton Road, marking the successful upgrade of the connection between Broken Hill and the historic town of Silverton in New South Wales.
The $5 million project that started in 2021 involved:
- Widening and sealing an 18-kilometre stretch of roadway;
- Modernising 25 drainage systems; and
- Installing novel signage and guideposts.
The final seal application is a culmination of two years fraught with challenging weather conditions that posed obstacles to sourcing materials and labour.
These are just a few examples of successful road-sealing projects in Australia. By using low-cost road sealing methods, governments and businesses can improve the condition of their roads and save money in the long run.
Cost-effective road sealing in Australia
Below are some additional considerations for cost-effective road sealing.
- Type of road – the type of road affects the best type of road sealing. For example, there are better choices than a slurry seal for roads with heavy traffic because it can wear out easily.
- Climate – The weather also affects the type of road seal. For example, microsurfacing is not a good choice for roads in hot, dry climates because it can crack and peel.
- Budget – Budget is always crucial in deciding on a particular type of road seal.
There are many cost-effective road sealing options available in Australia. The best option for a particular road will ultimately depend on the condition of the road, the traffic volume, the climate, and the budget.
Choose Northern Highways Bitumen for your sealing needs.
If you’re looking for a trusted provider of high-quality and cost-effective road-sealing services for residential, commercial, and industrial transport infrastructures on the east coast, Northern Highways Bitumen has the right solution for you.
We have a solid track record in road construction and surfacing solutions – from asphalt or bitumen road seal and road repairs to double-coat seal or asphalt driveway and parking surfaces. For durable, low-maintenance pavement, driveway, and road surfaces, talk to our experts today. Call us at 1300 858 751 or email sales@northernhighwaysbitumen.com.au for enquiries.
