Hear from one of our Operations Managers, Jarryd Dewar, as he shares insights on how we successfully navigated challenges on the Castlereagh Highway project and delivered a smarter, more cost-effective outcome.
NEWS
The Art of Stabilisation
Castlereagh Highway $12M Upgrade
A Smarter Approach to Civil Road Construction
Road stabilisation is a process that strengthens and extends the life of road pavements. It achieves this by improving the engineering properties of in-situ materials. Instead of relying on full reconstruction, stabilisation blends binders such as lime, cement, or foamed bitumen into existing soils and gravels, creating a stronger, more durable base.
For road construction companies, councils, and contractors, stabilisation offers a more sustainable road construction method that delivers cost savings, efficiency, and resilient infrastructure for local communities.
Why Road Stabilisation Matters in Modern Construction
Road projects today face rising costs, environmental pressures, and the need for resilient infrastructure. Traditional excavation and replacement methods are resource-intensive, often requiring new materials, longer construction times, and higher risks of exposing unsuitable subgrades.
By contrast, civil road construction contractors using stabilisation techniques can:
Recycle materials on site to reduce waste.
Lower project costs by minimising excavation and haulage.
Strengthen structural integrity of pavements and subgrades.
Improve sustainability by reducing reliance on virgin materials.
Accelerate project delivery while meeting safety and quality standards.
This makes stabilisation a key part of Australia’s future road construction services.
Case Study: Castlereagh Highway $12M Upgrade
Durack Civil recently demonstrated stabilisation works during the Castlereagh Highway Upgrade in New South Wales.
The challenge: The original design risked exposing unsuitable subgrades and required deep excavation, increasing costs and timelines.
The solution: Durack’s expert team re-engineered the project using in-situ road stabilisation. This included geotechnical investigations, subgrade CBR testing, and 32 mix designs to determine the right triple-blend stabilisation binder.
The results:
Reduced excavation depths across the site.
Recycled in-situ materials, limiting waste.
Strengthened foundations for flood-prone areas.
Accelerated construction durations by 50%.
Delivered smarter, more cost-effective outcomes for the client and local communities.
This project highlights our commitment to delivering the highest standards in civil road construction across New South Wales and beyond.
Benefits for Government, Contractors, and Communities
Road stabilisation is more than just a technical process, it has direct benefits for multiple stakeholders:
Government & Councils: Achieve budget savings and long-lasting infrastructure.
Contractors & Engineers: Streamlined construction phases with reduced risks.
Local Communities: Safer roads, quicker project completion, and less disruption.
Environment & Industry: Reduced reliance on raw materials and a lower carbon footprint.
Durack Civil’s expert team works with departments, suppliers, and contractors to ensure projects meet regulations while achieving excellence in delivery.
Road Stabilisation in New South Wales and Beyond
As one of the leading road stabilisation contractors in New South Wales, Durack Civil provides road construction contractor services across regional and urban areas. Our solutions are applied not only to highways but also to:
Mining haul roads
Industrial developments
Council road upgrades
Private infrastructure projects
With an extensive range of services and a proven track record, Durack Civil helps clients achieve resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Road Stabilisation
What is stabilisation in construction?
In construction, stabilisation refers to improving the physical properties of soil or aggregate materials. It ensures the foundation can support the load of road pavements, bridges, and other infrastructure.
How do you stabilise a road?
Road stabilisation involves blending stabilising agents (e.g., lime, cement, foamed bitumen) into existing materials. This improves strength, reduces moisture susceptibility, and creates a more durable pavement layer.
Why Choose Durack Civil?
Durack Civil is a trusted leader in civil road construction, combining knowledge, innovation, and commitment to deliver infrastructure that supports Australia’s future. Our workforce and resources allow us to handle complex projects, while our collaborative approach ensures success for clients, communities, and government partners.
Whether you’re seeking road construction services for highways, urban developments, or industrial projects, Durack Civil delivers solutions that balance performance, cost-efficiency, and sustainability.
Final Thoughts
The art of road stabilisation lies in innovation, planning, and expertise. As road networks across Australia face increasing demand, sustainable methods like stabilisation will continue to play a vital role in ensuring safety, durability, and cost-efficiency.
Durack Civil is proud to be at the forefront of these solutions, delivering smarter road construction outcomes for clients across New South Wales and beyond.
Partner with Durack Civil on Your Next Project
If you’re planning a road project, contact Durack Civil today. Our team can provide tailored solutions to achieve efficiency, sustainability, and long-term performance.