News

New highway for Nepal

August 16, 2012

A new stretch of highway is now open to traffic in Nepal. The Nepalthok-Khurkot Road recently had its official opening. Some US$46.2 million was spent on the section of highway, with much of the funding being provided by the Japanese Government. The Nepalthok-Khurkot section of road forms part of a larger project and is Phase 3, Part-I of the Banepa-Sindhuli-Bardibas BP highway.

Avery Weigh-Tronix acquires UK-based Central Weighing Ltd

August 14, 2012

AVERY Weigh-Tronix, one of the world’s biggest suppliers of weighing equipment and solutions, has completed the takeover of UK-based weighing specialists Central Weighing. Peggi Trimble, general manager, industrial division for Avery-Weigh-Tronix (AWT), said the acquisition would give AWT the opportunity to expand its “global reach” and “bring added-value, innovative products to the market by leveraging existing distribution networks”.

Caution not catastrophe in European market, says Volvo CE EMEA sales boss

August 14, 2012

There is caution but no catastrophe in the European construction equipment sales market, according to Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) EMEA sales president Tomas Kuta. Speaking at a press conference to launch Volvo CE’s PL3005D pipelayer, and ahead of the in-port race of the Volvo Ocean Race in Lorient, France, Kuta said: “Europe is not a catastrophe. Our Quarter 1 (2012) results were very much driven by Europe, but it’s the outlook that is so uncertain. “We (Volvo CE) have seen good development in the no

Canada-US bridge

August 14, 2012

Up to US$536 million has been offered by the Canadian Government towards the $974 million construction of the Detroit River International Crossing Bridge. This will link Windsor, Ontario and the US city of Detroit. The construction of the bridge is due for completion by 2016.

European advanced vehicle development lead

August 14, 2012

Europe will emerge as the most competitive regional market for hybrid and electric medium-heavy trucks and buses, globally, according to Frost & Sullivan. This will be particularly true for the transit bus segment, which is expected to experience proliferation of competitors, both on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and supplier side.

No flash in the pan

August 13, 2012

Carmanah Technologies Corporation claims its new R920 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) has features proven to significantly improve crosswalk safety. The pedestrian-activated system provides a high-intensity rapid flash pattern to alert vehicles approaching a crosswalk that pedestrians are present. The R920 RRFB Series adds to what Carmanah describes as its industry proven line of solar flashing beacons which have been successfully used by City, County, and DOT (Department of Transportation) Agencie

Rwanda roads projects get government cash

August 13, 2012

Funding for vital highway construction and repair projects in Rwanda has been approved as part of the country’s budget for 2012/13. The government will have more than US$ 2.18billion (RWF 1.30tn) to work with with the infrastructure sector, including highways development, being allocated just over 23% of that total. Among highways projects due to receive budgeted funding are:

Colombia motorway contracts to be awarded from June 2013

August 13, 2012

Colombia's Transport minister Miguel Peñaloza said the government intends to award key national motorway maintenance contracts from June 2013, starting with the contract for the section between La Pintada and La Manuela, part of Autopistas de la Prosperidad. The second contract would be awarded in December of the same year, said Peñaloza, with all contracts due to last be six years. ISA will not be taking part in any of the projects.

Royal Haskoning DHV’s Saudi bottleneck busting contract

August 13, 2012

Royal Haskoning DHV has been selected to tackle 30 major traffic bottlenecks in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh over the next two years. ArRiyadh Development Authority (ADA) decided to award the US$1.87million (€1.5mn) contract to the Dutch project management, engineering and consultancy service provider following a call for tenders. The population of Riyadh has risen dramatically over the past few decades and currently stands at around 5.4 million and, as a result, the city's roads and motorways are reach

Loan will fund key road deal in Argentina

August 13, 2012

The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) is providing a loan worth US$200 million to Argentina’s Government that will be used for road improvements. The loan will be directed towards safety and capacity upgrades to provincial and national roads. The funds will be channelled through the government programme Programa de Infraestructura Vial Productiva II. More than 4,000 people died in road traffic accidents in Argentina during 2010 and the authorities are looking to improve the safety levels and reduce the

Indonesian toll roads

August 13, 2012

ijaya Karya (Wika), the Indonesian governmentowned construction service provider, will build toll roads linking Kedung Badak to Kedung Halang and Pandaan to Gempol in Bogor through two contracts worth US$36.35 million and $24 million, respectively. Awarded by highways operator Jasa Marga (JSMR), the contracts require the roads completion in 18 months. The operator of the Tangerang- Merak Toll Road, Marga Mandala Sakti (Marga Mandala), will be allocating U$17 million to increase the toll road’s capacity. It

US highway bill

August 13, 2012

After long delays the US Government has finally signed its highway reauthorisation bill. “This is a good, bipartisan bill that will create jobs, strengthen our transportation system and grow our economy,” said US transportation secretary Ray LaHood. “It builds on our safety efforts. The bill also provides states and communities with two years of steady funding to build the roads, bridges and transit systems they need.” Funds for transportation projects will come from the Highway Trust Fund as well as genera

Deutz sees Asian market as key to company success

August 13, 2012

Deutz is set to increase its presence in Asia in a bid to achieve greater overall company growth despite the ongoing tough global economic climate. The German diesel engine manufacturer says its plans to create a joint venture in China with Volvo are “making headway”. The firm also says its recently established joint venture with Shandong Changlin Machinery Group in Linyi, in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong, is “rapidly gaining momentum”.

Italy's accident issue

August 13, 2012

According to Centauro-ASAPS data, hit and run accidents in Italy increased by 33 per cent in the first half of 2012. Out of a total 461 accidents, 57 resulted in fatalities, up by four per cent year-on-year, while the number of casualties increased by 35 per cent to 564. Police managed to find those responsible for hit and run accidents in 265 instances out of the total 461.