Features

Contractor FM Conway is working on a three year contract with Dover Harbour Board to reconstruct and resurface busy access routes and large vehicle parks within the port. One of the major factors for this contract being awarded was the company's strong green credentials. The contract is based around small and large individual paving projects within the Eastern Docks, which can range in time scales from three weeks to six months. The first phase of work, which started in early May, was to fully reconstruct

A tricky utility supply project has been carried out in difficult conditions in Germany, without disturbing a village access road. The drilling work for the project was operated by boring contractor Beermann and the site was located on a plateau some 5km from the nearest village.

IRF is pleased to announce the addition of Michael G Dreznes to the IRF Washington staff. Dreznes will serve as executive vice president with global leadership on training, policy and capacity-building activities across IRF's road safety programmes. "Mike has spent the last 26 years working to make roads safer around the world," said Patrick Sankey, president & CEO, IRF Washington. "He is recognised as one of the world's leading experts on roadside safety, pioneering the concept of Forgiving Highways, and w

An alliance of companies has come together to realise major infrastructure projects in Latvia including its biggest bridge. Patrick Smith reports. Riga, the Latvian capital, has the finest collection of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe and its centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

IRF is continuing its proven programme of developing the skills and knowledge of young highway professionals Asked what his career goals are, Leslie Mills, an aspiring civil engineer from Ghana indicates he hopes, "...to be part of the next generation of African engineers that will help solve some of the fundamental ills affecting transportation infrastructure in Africa." The 63rd class of IRF fellows attended a 10 day IRF road scholar programme from January 18 to 27, 2012. "The potential of building a pro

A wide variety of new equipment and technology to assist production at asphalt plants is about to be launched onto the market, while asphalt producers are continuing to look at greener working practices. Guy Woodford reports Lintec, in partnership with Loesche, recently created what they say is the world's first containerised Coal Mill Plant for independent coal dust supply at the jobsite which offers mobility and high economic efficiency through the substitution of gas or oil with coal. The mobile co

"One of the most important challenges for the Highways Agency (HA) is the management of Britain's motorways to improve traffic flows, reduce congestion, cut travel times and maintain better local air quality. But as traffic volumes increase, the HA is constantly looking for more economical, effective and sustainable methods of managing the country's motorways. "The Managed Motorway concept uses detectors to measure congestion, control software to display mandatory speed signs and an enforcement system to

New demolition tolls are coming to market while safety training for high reach excavator operators has been establishe.d With the Intermat equipment exhibition due shortly, various manufacturers are offering new demolition tools to the market. Meanwhile the UK's National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is now setting a lead in the sector by offering a high reach excavator training course. The NFDC has partnered with the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) to develop the world's first train

A variety of new technology for temporary speed zones during major highway projects across the globe is about to hit the market, while other proven systems remain in demand. Guy Woodford reports The D-Cam P is one of four new mobile speed reading products for temporary speed zones being launched this month by Truvelo. Deployable solely as a speed camera or at a red light intersection to monitor red light offences, the D-Cam P can also act as a speed camera on the green and amber light phases. The machin

A Canadian contractor has carried out major roadworks to improve safety on a dangerous stretch of road, using technology to complete the work smoothly. Wiltech Developments, located in West Kelowna, British Columbia, has a great deal of experience. In the contracting sector. The firm works in most. of British Columbia and currently owns more than 40 pieces of heavy machinery, with the majority of these units featuring Trimble Grade Control equipment, a move that has improved its operations.

A variety of systems are available for quickly and efficiently removing water from roads as Patrick Smith reports The presence of water in a highway layer reduces the bearing capacity of the road, and in doing so it also reduces the structure's lifetime. Indeed, the recent extremely cold winter in many parts of Europe has shown that in colder climates there is a risk of frost damage when water is present resulting in costly potholes, so drainage systems performing properly are important in road design.

Quicker, better, more cost effective materials testing - Kristina Smith writes. Most developments in materials testing technology involve updating and upgrading existing machines, either to meet changes to standards or to satisfy new needs in the market. And occasionally, a manufacturer will come up with something completely new. PUMA - the precision unbound materials analyser - falls into the latter category. It has been developed by Cooper Research Technology and Nottingham Transportation Engineering Cen

German firm Vögele has built the world's largest and most sophisticated paver manufacturing facility - Mike Woof writes. Part of the Wirtgen Group, Vögele has benefited from the massive investment the company has made in all of its major manufacturing operations. The Hamm, Kleemann, Vögele and Wirtgen facilities in Germany have all been improved, with both Kleemann and Vögele now using brand new, purpose-built factories constructed on green field sites.

Organisers of the International Show of Public Works, Construction and Mining Machinery have made every effort to assist the sector on the road to recovery Organisers are sure that the upturn in business seen in some sectors will make SMOPYC 2011 an "outstanding event." The 15th event, being held at Zaragoza Trade Fair Centre, Spain, from 5-9 April, will boast nine halls (100,000m2 of covered space) and 200,000m2 of outdoor space to display heavy machinery, along with demonstrations and sponsored areas.