This highway in Far North Queensland was built on extremely erodible soil, which is extremely vulnerable to gully and tunnel erosion. This susceptibility to erosion was exacerbated by the region’s very high rainfall and frequent cyclonic weather. Erosion threatened the integrity of the road infrastructure, with the potential to cause long-term issues requiring constant maintenance.
Conventional hard engineering structures were not sustainable in the past, so Vetiver System soil bioengineering technology was introduced for erosion and sediment control. A Veticon Consulting design was applied to stabilise both cut and fill embankments, culverts, and table drains along the entire Highway.
The application of Vetiver System Technology has ensured full protection of this highway since 1999. The utilisation of the Vetiver System saw a saving of more than 60% over conventional hard engineering methods.