ACO Polycrete KerbDrain - keeping the highway safe in Mittagong

The Hume Highway is the main link between Sydney and Melbourne. From Sydney, the road slowly climbs up into the Southern Highlands, bypassing towns such as Mittagong where sections of the original route (Old Hume Highway) still exist as significant dual carriageway thoroughfares. In Mittagong, the highway is an important strategic link for many businesses.

The Highlands Marketplace, situated on the Old Hume Highway, opened in 2007 and is home to Woolworths Supermarket, Big W and 35 specialty stores. The Centre is the principle fresh food, fashion and service outlet for the Southern Highlands communities.

Recently completed remediation road works on the highway, has allowed the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to select the KerbDrain surface drainage system along the median strip to improve the roadwork surrounding the Shopping Centre. This system is manufactured by the Australian company, ACO Polycrete Pty Ltd.

Unlike conventional kerb and gutter systems, KerbDrain transforms kerbs into continuous inlet structures with minimal excavation. Manufactured by from durable, polymer concrete, the KerbDrain system consists of 500mm long pre-cast modular units each comprising an integrally cast channel and batter with inlets for continuous drainage. The underlying channel then transfers captured flow to the stormwater often eliminating the need for multiple pits.

During the design and planning phase, ACO liaised closely with the project�s engineers to provide hydraulic information to ensure the width of flow was minimized for public safety for a 100 year design storm. The project showcases over 150 metres of KerbDrain in the super elevated section of the highway, where in some locations; units are assembled to tight radii near turning bays subject to regular accidental wheel contact.

ACO has an established Technical Services Department with many years experience advising on surface drainage. This free service is offered with no obligation and is supported with extensive, high quality information, brochures and technical documentation.