JRA says improved asphalt plant producing to capacity
16TH AUGUST 2021
BY: SCHALK BURGER
CREAMER MEDIA SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
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The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) says its asphalt plant, which was refurbished and reopened in April, has since produced 3 947.55 t for all the JRA depots across the seven regions.
The asphalt was used to repair more than 100 000 potholes city-wide through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan, which ended in June 30.
The plant continues to produce asphalt to its optimal capacity and has not recorded any downtime in asphalt production since its reopening.
As a result, road repairs and road resurfacing programmes remain uninterrupted.
The plant produces both hot and cold asphalt, which is a critical composite used to repair and resurface the city’s roads, the agency says.
Following the plant’s reopening, there have been a number of critical infrastructure improvements to enhance its overall efficiency and overall operations. One of the key interventions include the installation of new natural gas infrastructure, which will supply the plant with the burner design capacity gas pressure.
Although the daily asphalt production is demand-based, the new natural gas supply system enables the plant to run at optimal speeds at any given time.
Additionally, the JRA has started the process of looking at a commercialisation strategy, as well as maintenance services and staff training programmes, to ensure that it maximises the value of the plant.
The JRA is committed to providing quality roads that are accessible, safe and liveable for our communities, despite the Covid-19 challenges, it says.
The JRA is a city-owned agency responsible for the maintenance, repair and development of Johannesburg’s road network and storm water infrastructure, including bridges and culverts, traffic lights and signage. It is committed to providing quality roads that are accessible, safe and liveable for communities