A typical establishment track, gated to restrict access and grassed to eliminate on-going erosionEstablishment tracks are one lane and do not have an improvement layer, although a thin layer of gravel might be applied to help stabilise the surface. They are used to access new areas for planting and silviculture, and typically carry light vehicles only. They are generally more suited to 4-wheel drive.
Establishment tracks are designed for low speed and dry weather access. They often have a road width of around 2.5-3 m. They can be steep, up to a maximum adverse gradient of 17% or 20% for short distances.
Many establishment tracks are upgraded to secondary or spur roads at harvest. Consequently, planners should consider designing new establishment tracks with geometries and grades that can support log hauling operations.