News

UAE's road upgrade project

February 8, 2012

The UAE Government is planning improvements to the Emirates Road in Sharjah, work which is expected to cost over US$231 million.

Honduran road improvement plan

February 8, 2012

Honduras intends to spend US$400 million on upgrading its road network. The World Bank will provide $110 million

Australian safety plan

February 8, 2012

The state Government in New South Wales (NSW), Australia is making a major investment designed to boost road safety. Some US$156 million (A$170 million) is being set aside.

The Hengqin New Area in China is to benefit from a new road infrastructure project. The China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC) is investing US$1.85 billion in the project, which will see 52km of main roads and 64km of secondary roads being built, as well as 53km of landscaping.

Electric avenue for vehicle firms

February 8, 2012

Concerns over range remain a major challenge to take-up of electric vehicles (EVs) in coming years. However the introduction of telematics in EVs to provide point of interest and alerts packages to make drivers aware of charging facilities could resolve range anxiety.

Mexico City's congestion beating highway

February 8, 2012

A contract worth US$491 million has been awarded for a new tolled highway section in Mexico City. The project will be carried out by Spanish firm OHL and local company Copri in a 50/50 joint venture agreement.

US carries out safety programme trial

February 8, 2012

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) is carrying out road safety pilot programmes in Hartford, Connecticut and Syracuse, New York. These are intended to test whether increased law enforcement efforts can ensure that drivers stop using cell phones and focus instead on the road.

ContiTech boosts range

February 8, 2012

ContiTech's Transportbandsysteme division is expanding by buying the Moers facility from Metso Minerals. This factory makes the Flexowell and Pocketlift conveyor belts, which used in the extraction industries to transport loose bulk material up steep inclines.

Hong Kong highway widening

February 8, 2012

Widening of a 3.5km stretch of the Tolo and Fanling Highways between Ma Wo and Tai Hang will now be carried out in Hong Kong.

Brazil continues PAC programme

February 8, 2012

Heavy investment in road infrastructure is planned for Brazil's northeast city of Natal. In all 16 separate road projects are planned to improve transport infrastructure in time for the 2014 World Cup.

Hidromek launches mini backhoe loader

February 8, 2012

Demonstrating superb manoeuvrability due to what its manufacturers Hidromek say is its “compact but powerful” design, the HMK62SS mini backhoe loader’s additional auxiliary hydraulic lines make it ideal for working in urban constructions and agricultural applications where space is often limited.

Nepal's ring road future

February 8, 2012

Plans are in hand for upgrades to the existing ring road around Nepal's capital Kathmandu. This 28km route will be widened to cope with the growing traffic volumes and high congestion levels seen at present and the work is expected to cost US$55 million.

Kuala Lumpur's congestion beating plan

February 8, 2012

Malaysia's highway system is in the process of being improved with the construction of the new Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor (KLS) Expressway. This new link is schedule to open officially in June 2011 and is expected to be completed by April 2011.

Puerto Rico sets out road maintenance strategy

February 8, 2012

Puerto Rico's Department of Transport and Public Works (DTOP) is setting out a plan to road maintenance and improvement works.

Brazilian loan for Bolivian road

February 8, 2012

A US$332 million loan from Brazil will help build a highway between Villa Tunari and San Ignacio de Moxos in Bolivia. The project will cost over $1 million/km while the 306km highway will cost $415 million and the new link will be built by Brazilian firm OAS.