JRA began on business on 1 January 2001 with the City of Johannesburg being the main shareholder.

[1] The JRA's plans, designs, constructs, operates, controls, rehabilitates and maintains the roads and stormwater infrastructure in Johannesburg.

[2][3] This extends to constructing and maintaining of bridges, culverts, traffic Lights, pathways, road signs and markings.

[6][7] The plant opened due to a shortage in asphalt and the ongoing problem of potholes in Johannesburg.

[8][9] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the plant shut down temporarily and reopened in April 2021.