Urban design and landscaping

An urban design and landscaping plan has been prepared for Karuah to Bulahdelah Section One (Karuah Bypass to Viney Creek) project. Urban design requires the careful balance of ecological protection, maintenance of visual amenity and landscape attributes, and community aspirations and social concerns. All this must be balanced with the requirements of the design and maintenance of the highway.

The landscape components of road design are an integral part of this project. These components are essential to maintain and enhance the visual character of the surrounding landscape, establish a visual character for the road and provide an enjoyable driving experience. The landscape treatments are based on an assessment of the character of the existing landscape, and the nature of the proposed highway construction, particularly the location and design of cut and fill slopes. The landscape treatments aim at integrating the road with the surrounding landform, the woodland and rural environment through sympathetic earthworks and plantings.

The landscape design concept generally reflects the distinctive qualities of the landscape zones and existing vegetation communities. The local environment, through which the new highway will pass, will contribute significantly to the aesthetic qualities of the road and how it blends with the surrounding environment. A feature of the landscape treatment is the use of native plants to highlight the variety of vegetation communities. The highway and landscape treatments are designed to take advantage of the scenic qualities of the area while minimising the visual impacts of the road.

A copy of the Karuah to Bulahdelah, Section One Urban Design and Landscaping Plan is available for viewing at the community information centre.