What are the risks of the lack of maintenance of the road network in Ecuador during the rainy season?

Ecuador's road network faces a great challenge in terms of maintenance work, especially prior to the intense rainy season. If this process is not attended to in a timely manner, the possibilities of premature deterioration of the pavement increase, which, depending on its pathology, requires an intervention process for road maintenance.

This situation is evidenced by data provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works (MTOP), which as of January 2025 reported that only 9.4% of the state road network is in "very good condition". The remaining 90.6% present infrastructure conditions ranging from "good" to roads in poor condition, which highlights the need for a more effective road pavement management system.

Risks arising from road conditions

The impact of poor road conditions is manifold. Pedro Paladines, specialist in road infrastructure and Road Manager at Imptek Saint-Gobain, discusses the main risks caused by the lack of road maintenance:

• The appearance of pavement deformations, such as potholes and cracks, increase the risk of an accident by causing loss of traction, skidding and braking difficulties. This increases the chances of collisions and serious accidents.
• Loss of travel time and higher logistical costs due to deterioration of the road surface and the presence of potholes.
• Damage to vehicles is also significant. Vibrations caused by uneven pavement can lead to premature wear on tires, suspension and body structures. This affects occupant safety and also generates additional costs for owners in terms of repairs and maintenance.
• The condition of roads has a direct impact on the environment. Deteriorated asphalt increases emissions of polluting gases, causing health risks for nearby communities. Additional economic and natural resources are compromised due to lack of prevention.

Solutions and preventive measures

One of the most effective solutions to mitigate these risks is to implement regular preventive maintenance. Sealing premature cracks and fissures, as well as repairing potholes with cold mixes, are fundamental practices to avoid accelerated pavement deterioration. In addition, the application of reflective striping increases road safety by clearly demarcating lanes both day and night.

Modified asphalt emerges as a key solution for improving the durability and strength of roads. "This material, enriched with polymers and special additives, significantly improves the adherence, flexibility, stability and durability of the pavement, increasing its useful life by 30 to 40%. This reduces maintenance and rehabilitation costs, even under adverse weather conditions and high vehicular traffic," explains Pedro Paladines.

Imptek's Materials Research Center (CIMI) supports the advancement of the sector with innovation, quality control of asphalt materials and evaluation of pavements with asphalt emulsions. Joint work between the public and private sectors and universities is vital to ensure the improvement of Ecuador's road infrastructure. The Ministry of Transportation and Public Works has set a goal for 2025 to increase to 42% the percentage of the State Road Network in good condition, which will contribute to the safety, connectivity and economic development of the country.

About Imptek:

Imptek-Chova del Ecuador S.A. is an Ecuadorian company of the Saint-Gobain Group with 45 years in the waterproofing, road and light construction market.

Its commitment to quality and innovation, the application of processes, its national and international certifications, its qualified personnel and environmentally responsible practices are some of the reasons why it is part of the 1000 most important companies in Ecuador. Since 2021 and to date it is a Great Place to Work certified company. Imptek has been exporting its products for 30 years to more than 8 countries in Latin America.

• 18 million in sales in 2024
• 100 employees, locations in 1 country
• Committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
• For more information about Imptek, visit us: http://www.imptekcorp.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram,YouTube and Tiktok.

About Saint-Gobain:

A world leader in lightweight and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, lightweight construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a process of continuous innovation and deliver sustainability and performance. The Group, which celebrates its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose, "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".

• €47.9 billion in sales in 2023  
• 160,000 employees, presence in 79 countries  
• Committed to achieving zero net carbon emissions by 2050  

For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit us at www.saint-gobain.com.