Road Structures

An Italian-Iranian road study agreement has now been signed. The Italian state-controlled road concession firm ANAS has a cooperation agreement with Iran's Construction and Development of Transport Infrastructures Company (CDTIC). ANAS International Enterprise (AIE) will carry out the study for the completion of the 1,500km north-south corridor, which runs between the port of Bandar-E-Imam on the Persian Gulf up to the northern border with Azerbaijan through the city of Tabriz. The aim of the study is to co

Delays look likely for Indonesia’s massive toll-road development programme. Funding shortages for the necessary land acquisitions will hold back commencement of highway construction activity. In all over US$18.1 billion has been set aside by the Public Works and Public Housing Ministry for the necessary land purchases. But this sum is insufficient for the massive land areas required. The ambitious programme of works has called for the construction of 1,000km of tolled highways by 2019. Additional funding wi

The Mersey Gateway Project achieved another milestone as the first deck span for the elevated north approach viaduct was completed. The reinforced concrete deck span was revealed when Merseylink's movable scaffolding system (MSS) 'Trinity' moved to its second casting position. It is the first of 11 spans that will be cast by the MSS for the deck of the elevated approach viaduct on the north side of the River Mersey.

Costa Rica is looking into amending its processes for the development of road infrastructure projects. A new law would speed up awarding processes and accelerate the execution of works. Road infrastructure projects are crucial to the economic development of the country. New roads would benefit cargo transport operations and reduce travel times.

A major programme of infrastructure development is planned for the Colombian island of San Andres. The Colombian National Planning Department (DNP) intends to spend a healthy US$719.86 million into infrastructure development projects on San Andres between 2016 and 2020. This represents a 22% increase over the 2011-2014 budget for the island. Development projects include the upgrade of Avenida Circunvalar. The budget will include investment into new cycle facilities, public transportation and developing the

The Indian Government has set out plans to award highway projects worth at least US$8.84 billion during the next fiscal year. These projects will be offered under the hybrid annuity model, according to a report in the Economic Times. KPMG has stated that some 21 projects for a total of 1,500km and worth close to a third of that sum will be granted by the Indian Government in the current fiscal year.

Work is now underway in Pakistan on the new Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab highway. This 193km highway is expected to cost close to US$124 million to construct. The Gwadar-Turbat-Hoshab Road (M-8) in Pakistan will connect Gwadar Port with Quetta by connecting the port with the eastern, central and western routes of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Work is underway in Kazakhstan for a new bridge that will span the Irtysuh River. The new bridge will improve the road connections between Pavlodar and Aksu. The bridge is due for completion by December 2016. The cost of the project is some US$146.74 million. The 12.5km long bridge will be the largest in Central Asia when complete.

Austrian contractor STRABAG is now working on designing and building the new S8 route in Poland. This €57 million project will provide a new 10km route connecting Radziejowice and Przeszkoda. The road is being built from concrete and is due for completion within 31 months. The project was awarded to STRABAG by Poland’s General Directorate for National Roads and Highways (GDDKiA). In addition to building the dual carriageway, the work also involves constructing the Żabia Wola junction as well as several stru

An important new highway connection is being planned in the Czech Republic. The road will provide a link between the D8 Teplice highway and the Chomutov expressway. The Czech Transport Ministry has given its approval for an allocation of €166.55 million to the country’s Central Bohemian region for the construction work on the link road. However the project will still have to be approved by the Czech Government. Should the work go ahead, the project will be split into three phases, with construction of the f