SANTO DOMINGO.- The Minister of Public Works and Communications, Deligne Ascención, traveled to Panama this Wednesday to learn about a new modified asphalt technology.
The official is traveling accompanied by the deputy ministers of Road Infrastructure, Elías Santana, and of Road Maintenance, Luis Bastardo, among other officials.
During his visit to the Central American country, Ascención will be received by directors of the Panamanian Asphalt Institute, and will also meet separately with the country's Minister of Public Works, José Luis Andrade, and the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Julio Moltó.
Modified asphalt technology, already used by countries such as Canada, the United States, Guatemala, Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, among others, has positioned itself as an innovative solution in pavement engineering, with the potential to significantly transform road design and construction.
Deligne Ascension. (External source).
Unlike conventional asphalt, modified asphalt incorporates additives and polymers that improve its physical and mechanical properties, such as resistance to aging, fatigue, and plastic deformation.
“These advances not only allow for greater durability of the structures, but also facilitate their adaptability to more demanding climatic and traffic conditions,” the Ministry of Public Works stated in a press release.
One of the most important benefits of using modified asphalt is its ability to extend the lifespan of roads, resulting in a significant reduction in maintenance and repair costs over time.
By learning about this technology and approving its potential application in the Dominican Republic, the aim is to minimize the frequency of interventions needed on roads and paved highways, since projects can be maintained in better condition for longer periods, resulting in less traffic disruption and, therefore, greater operational efficiency.
