The National Works Agency (NWA) is celebrating Asphalt Day, by highlighting its pivotal role in modern infrastructure and the success of the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme.

For the agency, key highlights of this day are the workers and professionals who are integral in shaping the roadways and promoting awareness of the innovation, sustainability, and value that asphalt contributes to national development.

Manager of the Material Testing and Evaluation Unit (MTEU) at the NWA, Daejah Balfour, underscored the importance of asphalt to national development, primarily through major projects like SPARK.

“Asphalt development is foundational to the SPARK Programme. Many of the programme’s objectives, including improving road durability, reducing frequent maintenance and enhancing safety, are achieved through modern asphalt paving techniques and materials. The programme relies on using high-quality asphalt mixes, improved compaction methods, and better design to ensure that roads last longer and perform better under Jamaica’s climate and traffic conditions,” said Ms Balfour.

Asphalt Day, observed annually on May 15, adds significance this year as it coincides with Global Road Safety Week, from May 12 to May 18. For the Agency, this timely alignment emphasises the vital connection between durable, well-maintained road infrastructure and the broader goal of enhancing road safety.

Notably, Ms Balfour indicated that the NWA prides itself on the adoption of sustainable practices or energy-efficient production methods.

“We use Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) to reduce waste, the adoption of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technologies to lower emissions, and efforts to design roads that minimise water damage and extend pavement life. The Agency is therefore reinforcing its commitment to long-term, sustainable infrastructure solutions,” said Ms. Balfour

The MTEU is instrumental in ensuring materials used in SPARK projects meet rigorous standards for strength and durability. This includes adopting modern asphalt design techniques, performance-based testing, and strict quality control to extend the lifespan of new roads. The SPARK Programme is a J$45 billion national initiative to rehabilitate and upgrade over 800 kilometres of Jamaica’s road network, spanning primary, secondary, and community roads.

“Asphalt Day is a reminder that when we build better roads, we build stronger communities and a more connected Jamaica. The future of infrastructure lies in quality, sustainability, and innovation and the NWA is fully committed to delivering on that vision,” stressed Ms Balfour.