As paving gets underway on Melbourne’s North East Link, the preparation that went into last year’s full‑scale trial is now paying dividends. The 2025 exercise at Boral’s Kempsey Batch Plant provided early proof of performance under the conditions expected on the project, giving delivery teams the confidence and data they needed before major works began in Victoria.
Testing under real‑world conditions
The North East Link includes some of the most significant road tunnelling and freeway upgrades ever undertaken in Victoria. Because the project requires a specialised paving approach more commonly used under New South Wales specifications, SPARK — the Joint Venture delivering North East Link — commissioned a controlled paving trial ahead of full mobilisation.
To accurately replicate the underground conditions expected in Melbourne, the trial was conducted at Kempsey due to its plant capabilities, controlled environment and similar climatic characteristics. Raw materials from Melbourne were transported more than 1,300 kilometres to NSW to ensure the mix design, curing behaviour and paving performance matched Victorian requirements.
Technical collaboration across states
The success of the trial relied on close collaboration across Boral’s technical, operational and logistics teams. Specialists provided support across batching, laboratory testing and paving methodology, while teams from Victoria Quarries and Boral Cement coordinated the long‑haul movement of materials and equipment.
Key contributors included:
- Adam Duffey and Darren Browning – providing plant expertise and on‑the‑ground operational support
- Jacob Thompson and Alhassane Ly – delivering laboratory testing and technical validation
- Simon Murcott and Dale Rogers – supporting client engagement and project coordination
Their combined effort ensured the trial delivered accurate performance data and confidence ahead of paving works commencing in Victoria.
Industry collaboration that drives outcomes
SPARK Project Manager Steve Carter summarised the outcome simply: “Thank you for your efforts in making the paving trial in Kempsey a success, the generous use of your facilities, and the terrific technical support and input provided from across your organisation.”
For major infrastructure projects like the North East Link, these early trials play a vital role in reducing risk, strengthening quality assurance and ensuring delivery teams have absolute clarity on how these specialised concrete pavements will perform in the field.
Looking ahead
With paving for the North East Link set to begin later in 2026, the Kempsey trial has already proven its value — demonstrating Boral’s ability to mobilise expertise across states, adapt to project‑specific technical requirements and support Australia’s largest infrastructure programs with confidence.
