BANORA POINT WATER MANAGEMENT
30 November -0001
ACO Polycrete was responsible for supplying the correct drainage products to manage the water run off on this busy stretch of highway. The TraffikDrain range keeps this stretch of highway safe in all weather conditions.
In one of the heaviest trafficked sections of the Pacific Highway, the Banora Point upgrade, commercial and personal vehicles navigate across:
- Six-lane divided carriageways
- A three-lane 330 m long viaduct
- Four twin overbridges and two single overbridges
In addition, the area abuts Wilson Park, along which there exists a shared pedestrian and bicycle path across a 75-meter-wide land bridge.
The multi-use area experiences year-round heavy trade traffic as well as heavy holiday-maker use during peak periods of the year. For this reason, it was paramount that the engineer selected the correct heavy duty drainage systems to ensure the smooth and safe operation of this highway sector.
The project designers faced the challenge of draining the highways reduced shoulder width. It was decided that the issue could be corrected by using the ACO Polycrete TraffikDrain system to ensure all surface water was captured quickly to prevent ponding along the road.
By keeping the drainage function shallow and continuous, ACO’s trench drains often eliminate the need for excessive pits and pipework. This also ensures that ongoing maintenance of the drainage systems along busy highway sections, such as the Banora Point project, results in minimal traffic disturbance.
The TraffikDrain base is made from polymer concrete. This durable, lightweight material is then topped by the Ductile Iron Grates which are heavy duty and rated up to AS 3996 Load Class D (approx. 8 tonne wheel load).
To ensure quick water removal and flow through the drainage system, the shape of the channel profile is a ‘V’ shape, this profile serves higher velocities of water during minor storm events resulting in a more hydraulically efficient drain compared to ‘U’ profile channels.
The speed and high-volume water management of the highway was a key focus for the RMS and contractors: Abigroup Contractors, Seymour Whyte, and SMEC, during construction and the ongoing lifespan of the Banora Point area.
The now completed Banora Point Project was valued at $359 million with the Australian Government contributing $349 million and the NSW State Government contributing the final $10 million.
For more information on the TraffikDrain products used in the Banora Point Project, download the product guide HERE or get in touch with ACO today on 1300 765 226.