Northern Expressway showcases hi-tech, eco-friendly and efficient asphalt production

South Australia's Northern Expressway (NEXY) continues to set a benchmark for road construction in Australia, with project contractor Fulton Hogan recently installing a state-of-the-art portable asphalt plant to supply 450,000 tonnes of asphalt for the 23 kilometre section of road.

The Astec Hot Mix Asphalt facility can manufacture asphalt using up to 20 per cent recycled material, an eco-friendly option that also means faster production and therefore, increased overall fuel efficiency for the plant.

Fulton Hogan’s Chief Executive Nick Miller said the plant was a substantial investment for the company that was necessary to ensure security of supply for the NEXY project.

“This is one of the most technologically advanced asphalt plants in Australia and, despite its impressive size, it’s fully portable so it can be moved on to future projects in South Australia as required,” said Mr Miller.

Built in the USA, the facility can produce 250 tonnes of asphalt each hour and crews are expected to place up to 2000 tonnes per day.

The NEXY crews have already placed 70,000 tonnes of asphalt since the plant commenced operations in March 2009.  This represents a daily average of 1,500 tonnes and a maximum of 2,176 tonnes on one shift.

Mr Miller said the onsite asphalt plant will allow Fulton Hogan to better control quality and delivery of asphalt to meet the requirements of the project.

“The new plant represents Fulton Hogan’s commitment to the local South Australian economy, and in particular, the NEXY project.  It will allow us to produce the required mixes on demand which will ultimately provide better quality control and immediate response to scheduling requirements,” he said.

The total cost of the NEXY project is $564 million, of which $451.2 million is being provided by the Australian Government.

Fulton Hogan is employing an additional 70 local people to meet demands of the project and for the long term operation of the manufacturing facility.

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