News

German engine manufacturer DEUTZ said it had a “very encouraging increase” in operating profit for the first three quarters of 2016. EBIT – earnings before interest and tax – stood at €19.7 million, significantly higher than the figure for the prior-year period of €10.6 million. DEUTZ said that this was due, in particular, to a decrease in depreciation and amortisation. Consequently, the EBIT margin almost doubled to reach 2.1%. Net income for the first nine months of 2016 was €18.8 million, compa

German discount supermarket chain Lidl is to sponsor 3,500 new rental bicycles in Berlin. The bicycle system Lidl Bikes will be operated by DB Rent, a subsidiary of German railway provider Deutsche Bahn (DB), and be available from spring next year. DB Rent, which has been running rental bicycles for nearly 15 years, is operating around 10,000 bicycles in 50 German cities. The system of flexible borrowing will cover Berlin's S-Bahn commuter train region. But from the end of 2017 Lidl Bikes will face

German discount supermarket chain Lidl is to sponsor 3,500 new rental bicycles in Berlin. The bicycle system Lidl Bikes will be operated by DB Rent, a subsidiary of German railway provider Deutsche Bahn (DB), and be available from spring next year. DB Rent, which has been running rental bicycles for nearly 15 years, is operating around 10,000 bicycles in 50 German cities. The system of flexible borrowing will cover Berlin's S-Bahn commuter train region. But from the end of 2017 Lidl Bikes will face

Fugro has started scanning structural pavement condition data from lane 2 using Highways England’s Traffic Speed Deflectometer (TSD). This is the first time for such scanning as part of the routine network-wide survey of England’s strategic roads, according to Fugro. The global asset integrity specialist has been carrying out Traffic Speed Structural Surveys (TRASS) since autumn 2014 under a 3-year contract (TRASS 3) - Highways England’s largest ever outsourced contract for pavement structural condit

The introduction of smart motorways in the UK has led to a significant increase in speeding fines, according to the UK’s British Broadcasting Corporation. Fixed penalties issued on smart sections rose from 2,000 in 2010 to 52,000 in 2015. Now, more than 1,000 motorists a week are being caught speeding on smart motorways, according to data supplied to the BBC by 12 police forces in England. Annual speeding fine revenue going to central government increased to more than €1.23 million, from nearly €16

Light and compact equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson Group saw revenue and earnings for the third quarter of 2016 increase relative to 2015. The company said that seen over a nine-month period, revenue remained at the prior-year level, balancing out the drop in earnings experienced during the first half of the year only partly. Despite adverse market factors, including ongoing crises in many emerging markets and key industries such as the agricultural sector, the oil and gas industry and mining, gro

Contractors are gearing up for one of the UK’s largest road projects, the 34km widening of the A14 between the town of Huntingdon and city of Cambridge. The €1.7 billion government-funded scheme will be delivered over four years by a joint venture between Skanska, Costain, Balfour Beatty and Carillion.

Trimble is focussing on making a difference at a corporate level, developing a process of positive change within its structure. The company aims to be inclusive and develop new solutions for its customers, while bringing in a wider range of personnel within its organisation. Bryn Fosburgh, vice president and executive committee member said, “What we have found in industry is that collaboration is needed. Collaboration is a key part of our values. Diversity is our strength.”

Trimble is introducing a range of new technology options for customers that will boost working efficiency across a range of duties. The firm has also scored a major deal with one of China’s largest equipment manufacturers, XCMG.

Work is being carried out on the Wekiva Parkway project in Florida at present. Pile driving for the bridge at Yothers Road has been carried out, although care has been taken to minimise the disturbance to the surrounding area.

European Union governments took in €286.3 billion in road taxes during 2013 but re-invested only €178 billion back into highways, according to a new study.

The Trimble Dimensions 2016 users conference opened its doors to a record attendance on 7th November, 2016.

What happens when a highways services employee is prosecuted for failing to follow established safety procedures? How would a courtroom drama unfold for the accused and the employer?

Approval for a US$50 million loan to develop a highway stretch in Armenia has been given by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The loan will be used to upgrade the M6 Highway from Vanadzor in Armenia to the country’s border with Georgia at Bagratashen. The route is one of the most strategic roads for internal and external trade for landlocked Armenia while it also lies close to the country’s border with Azerbaijan. The upgrading of this highway will also provide an important link to the Black Sea Ring Road p

The pre-feasibility study for a US$400 million bridge project in Indonesia has been delayed. The East Nusa Tenggara bridge project is planned to include an innovative tidal power generation system. The study was due to commence in December 2016 but now looks likely to be held back. The 1.6km bridge will provide a link between the Indonesian islands of Andonara and Flores. The aim of the project is to build a crossing that also includes turbines able to generate up to 300MW due to the tidal flow passing thro