Recycling of old asphalt reduces costs

Описание: A single carriage-way between Kroonstad to Holfontein in Free State is being upgraded to four-lane dual carriage-way, thus reducing accidents and drastically easing congestion.

The project commenced in 2015 and is scheduled to be completed in August 2018. At the end of February 2018, 80% of the project had been completed. All that remains is surfacing of the road and some finishing touches.

“There was increasing congestion on this road- just before Kroonstad going towards Ventersburg, which necessitated the widening of the road. There were also many serious accidents,” said Louw Venter, construction manager at Hilary Construction.

Some innovations were made during the construction of this road. At least 40% of the old road surface was recycled to be used in producing asphalt for the new road. This not only reduces the cost of the road but is also environmentally friendly.

“We recycle the old road and mix it into the new asphalt and surface it onto the new road,” said Boeta Raath, plant and surfacing manager on the project.

The labour complement on the project is a mix of experienced staff and local labourers from Kroonstad. The locals had to be trained before the project started and that has given them valuable skills which will help them secure jobs in the future.

A local company, Godfrey Mmuso, is subcontracted to the main contractor, Hilary Construction. They do concrete work, v-drains and stone pitching.