Project Owner
Wyndham City Council Duplication of Tarneit Road
Duplication of Tarneit Road
Trafman Solutions was recruited to assist with root investigation works.
The project required our Non-Destructive Digging (NDD) team to perform Hydro Excavation to create a 100mm wide by 400mm deep trench for tree root investigation to assist the engineering design stage for the duplication of Tarneit Road, Werribee.
The investigation allowed Wyndham City Council to develop a detailed design to either cater for the retention or removal of the trees.
The Challenge
Complex Root, Safety, and Service Constraints
The duplication of Tarneit Road required Trafman Solutions to undertake highly precise and environmentally sensitive root investigation works while managing significant safety and underground service constraints.
The team needed to expose tree roots without damaging any structural woody roots over 75mm, carefully adjusting hydro excavation pressure to protect the outer root membrane and installing temporary protection to prevent exposed roots from drying out.
At the same time, strict safety controls such as secure trench fencing and traffic management were essential to protect the public within the active road corridor. In addition, all underground services had to be accurately located and documented before excavation could begin, requiring meticulous Non-Destructive Digging methods to avoid service strikes and ensure compliant, low-impact work throughout the project.
Solutions
See How Our Solutions Work
To support the duplication of Tarneit Road, Trafman Solutions delivered a structured and safety-focused approach to root investigation works. Our team applied specialist Non-Destructive Digging expertise, environmental care, and strong coordination with Wyndham City Council to ensure accurate root mapping while protecting both public safety and existing tree health.
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Discovery
We began by assessing the project requirements and identifying all underground services within the work zone. This included researching existing service locations, confirming site conditions, and understanding the environmental constraints around root preservation. Insights gained from this early investigation informed the safest and most efficient excavation method while ensuring compliance with council guidelines.
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Solution Design
Our strategy focused on developing a low-impact hydro excavation plan tailored to the narrow 100mm trench requirement. We designed a method that allowed for precise pressure control to protect roots larger than 75mm and incorporated measures to safeguard exposed roots. Safety planning, including trench barriers and traffic management, was integrated from the outset to ensure secure operations along the active road corridor.
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Implementation
The team executed the works using Non-Destructive Digging techniques with continuous pressure adjustment to prevent structural root damage. Exposed roots were immediately protected to avoid drying, and trenches were backfilled and hand compacted once approved by the council arborist. Throughout the process, excavation areas were secured with fencing when unattended, and traffic management measures were deployed as required to maintain public safety.
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Collaboration
We worked closely with Wyndham City Council’s arborists and engineering team, ensuring clear communication at every stage. Regular feedback loops allowed the council to review exposed roots, approve backfilling, and make informed decisions about tree retention or removal. This collaborative approach ensured alignment with design needs and supported successful project delivery.
Expert Services We Delivered

Non-Destructive Digging & Hydro Excavation
This was the primary service delivered. Trafman Solutions performed precise hydro excavation to create 100mm by 400mm trenches for tree root investigation. Pressure control, careful excavation around structural roots, and protection of exposed roots all fall under NDD expertise.

Traffic Control
Traffic management was required whenever works took place near or on Tarneit Road. Trafman provided safe, compliant traffic control to protect workers, drivers, and the public.

Spotters
Although not explicitly mentioned, the nature of the work involving underground services and hydro excavation typically requires accredited spotters to maintain safety, especially near live services.

Signage
Appropriate fencing and public safety controls were implemented around trenches. This would include compliant safety signage to warn road users and pedestrians, making Trafman’s signage service relevant.
Our Trafman Solutions Team in Action
Results
Delivering Safe, Precise, and Environmentally Responsible Outcomes
Trafman Solutions successfully delivered precise and environmentally responsible root investigation works that supported Wyndham City Council’s design requirements for the duplication of Tarneit Road.
By applying specialist Non-Destructive Digging techniques, maintaining strict safety controls, and protecting the integrity of existing tree roots, the project was completed efficiently and without disruption to underground services or the surrounding community.
Our detailed reporting and coordinated workflow gave the council the confidence needed to progress with informed decisions on tree retention and road design, ensuring a smooth transition into the next project phase.
Efficiency
The narrow 100mm-wide excavation trenches were completed with precision, allowing the council to gather accurate root structure information quickly and without unnecessary delays. Controlled hydro excavation and structured workflows enabled the team to maintain momentum while meeting all technical requirements.
Safety
Strict adherence to safety protocols ensured that all excavation areas were secure, with appropriate fencing, traffic management, and service identification measures in place. No safety incidents occurred during the project, demonstrating the effectiveness of our risk management practices.
Client Satisfaction
Wyndham City Council received clear, reliable root mapping data that aligned with their engineering design needs. Our responsive communication, timely arborist coordination, and commitment to quality workmanship contributed to strong client confidence and a positive project experience.
Community Benefit
By protecting significant tree roots and maintaining a safe roadside environment, the project supported both environmental preservation and public safety. The community benefited from minimal disruption during works and from design insights that will shape a safer, more sustainable road duplication project.