Factory Purchase Considered for Asphalt Production by Mihnya
Tomsk Mulls Over Asphalt Plant Acquisition for Speedier Pothole Repairs
The city of Tomsk is seriously considering purchasing an asphalt plant for municipal enterprise TomskSAH. This move could expedite the pothole repairs on problematic city streets following winter, Tomsk's Mayor Dmitriy Mahiny disclosed to reporters on Thursday.
For over a year,Tomsk residents have been voicing dissatisfaction regarding the quality of asphalt used in road repairs. In 2024, subpar asphalt mix quality became the primary cause for the cancellation of contracts with contractors, resulting in the delay of the repair of Prospect Fruze and several other streets until 2025.
"I believe studying the prices and quantities (for the acquisition. - Ed.) is necessary... I consider this a good idea. Yes, it's expensive, it's costly, but this is the most critical period now, the snow has melted, the city is in ruins, there are numerous complaints, and we are forced to wait for the opening of asphalt plants, which typically opens around the second half of May. This critical period is missed from the work" the Mayor explained.
He added that he has directed city officials to prepare and analyze proposals, prices, and delivery schedules by the end of the week. Acquiring the asphalt plant should enable earlier pothole repairs. "In many cities, I know, this practice shows great results," the Mayor noted, without specifying the financing sources.
Earlier, it was reported that Tomsk's budget lacks funds for post-winter road repairs, a temporary solution being the pothole repairs. In 2025, the authorities plan to allocate 110 million rubles for pothole repairs in the city, with the list of affected areas set to be finalized in May. In 2024, the budget for such repairs amounted to 37 million rubles.
Pothole-Free Streets: Stages of Road Repairs and Key Requirements
While details about Tomsk's infrastructure plans remain scant, here's some general information on road repairs and key requirements:
- Pothole Repair Process: This involves clearing the area, removing damaged materials, patching with appropriate asphalt, and allowing the new asphalt to cool and harden. Timing depends on weather conditions.
- Quality Standards: To ensure longevity and safety, roads should meet certain quality standards. These include using suitable asphalt mixes, appropriate compacting techniques, and following proper curing procedures.
- Asphalt Plant Considerations: Acquiring an asphalt plant could offer greater control over asphalt quality, quantity and timely repairs. However, such investments can be costly and require careful planning, including assessing market prices, evaluating plant capacity, and considering potential environmental impacts.
- The acquisition of an asphalt plant by TomskSAH could potentially address the issue of subpar asphalt quality, as seen in the delayed repairs of Prospect Fruze and other streets, leading to pothole-free streets in the future.
- In preparation for the potential asphalt plant acquisition, city officials have been directed to analyze proposals, prices, and delivery schedules, with the aim of expediting pothole repairs.
- As part of the City of Tomsk's infrastructure plans for 2025, allocated funds for pothole repairs will increase, and the acquisition of an asphalt plant could contribute to stronger implementation and section of the industry, particularly in the realm of finance.
