Protecting Progress: TEC Mat® Coir for Erosion Control at Mona Vale Road

The Project  

Mona Vale Road, which serves Sydney’s Northern Beaches and northern suburbs, is a vital transport corridor which experiences high traffic demand. To improve road safety, usability, and reduce congestion, the Mona Vale Road Upgrade was launched, divided into two stages: East and West. The upgrades aimed to expand the existing two-lane road to four lanes, provide safe overtaking opportunities, and enhance safety through wider shoulders and median separation.

The Challenge

Following the 2023 NSW Independent Strategic Infrastructure Review, the Mona Vale Road West upgrade was deferred for two years. This posed a significant challenge, as early works had already commenced at both the East and West sites.

With cleared and excavated areas now to remain exposed and unused at the West site, Transport for NSW required a long-term erosion control solution to maintain site integrity until construction could resume. The material needed to have a lifespan of approximately 24 months to withstand the expected delay.

Our Solution

Polyfabrics recommended TEC Mat® Coir as the ideal solution. Available in wide roll sizes to match the site’s requirements and readily in stock, TEC Mat® Coir is manufactured from 100% natural coconut fibre, offering a sustainable and biodegradable option that may also reduce future disposal costs if required. The decision to use coir mat was made with local community consultation in this environmentally sensitive site bordering Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.

Engineered to provide the mechanical strength necessary to stabilise soil and prevent erosion, coir matting slows runoff during heavy rainfall and will remain effective for over 24 months, aligning with the project’s hiatus period. For this application, Polyfabrics supplied a custom 1000gsm matting thickness to safeguard the already-cleared worksite from degradation due to rain and wind exposure.

To further reinforce the site, Polyfabrics paired the coir mat with mastaTEX® Non-Woven Geotextile and GEOmasta® HDPE Liner in the swales to eliminate erosion scouring and divert water runoff towards drainage channels. Our technical team worked closely with the site stakeholders to develop a customised solution that would help protect the progress already made to the site and ensure a smooth recommencement of works in the future.

To learn more about this project, explore the products used, or discuss solutions for your own project, please reach out our team of experts on 1300 287 484 or via email at sales@polyfabrics.com.au.

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