Source: Mental Health Australia
The next stage of Hume Highway rehabilitation at Marulan will feature a high-strength asphalt instead of concrete, with the new approach aimed at improving the roads long-term performance.
The change follows a successful trial of the asphalt on the northbound lanes earlier this year.
Transport for NSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration South Cassandra Ffrench said the next stage of work will be carried out from Monday 10 November to Thursday 18 December on just over one kilometre of the highway from Highland Way southbound.
“The high-strength asphalt gives us the flexibility to work with the existing concrete road surface, allowing us to prioritise the sections most in need while opening up more options for future maintenance, including increasing pavement thickness where required,” Ms Ffrench said.
“Although the result may appear patchy initially, it’s a deliberate approach that reduces construction time, limits traffic impacts and provides a stronger, more adaptable foundation for future work.”
“The project also includes upgrading drainage to support the new pavement and its longevity.”
Ms Ffrench said concrete was originally selected for major routes such as the Hume Highway due to its strength and long life. However, the sub-base and pavement thickness on this section were built to older standards, making ongoing concrete replacement less effective.
“High-strength asphalt offers a faster construction time, as it can be laid and reopened to traffic more quickly than concrete. It also provides greater flexibility for future maintenance, helping ensure a smoother and more efficient travel experience for motorists,” Ms Ffrench said.
“The high-strength asphalt maintains load capacity even with reduced pavement thickness, allowing this section of highway to transition away from concrete. With more suppliers now producing this material, it’s also become a more cost-effective option for future maintenance.”
From 7am on Monday 10 November, southbound traffic will be diverted onto the northbound lanes under 24-hour contraflow arrangements. A reduced speed limit of 80 km/h will be in place, and motorists should allow up to 20 minutes of additional travel time. These arrangements will be in place until 7pm on 18 December.
Weekend travel times may vary but delays of up to 30 minutes may be experienced.
Southbound access to Marulan from the Hume Highway will be closed with motorists detouring via Jerrara Road.
The southbound entry from Marulan town to the highway will also be closed, with detours available via Highland Way or Eagles Lane.
The southbound Heavy Vehicle Safety Station at Marulan will be closed for the duration of the work. Northbound access to Marulan and the northbound Heavy Vehicle Safety Station will remain open.
Over size over mass (OSOM) vehicles wider than 4.5 metres should use designated pullover areas and contact UHF Channel 21 to arrange safe passage through the work zone.
Transport thanks motorists for their patience while this essential work is carried out to improve safety and reliability on one of the state’s most important freight and passenger routes.