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Uganda has unveiled plans for the construction of two road projects considered critical in enhancing the integration of the Eastern African economies and boosting the landlocked country's socio-economic performance - Shem Oirere writes The new Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha/Kanungu and Bumbobi-Bubulo-Lwakhakha roads in Uganda feature a design influenced by the desire to harmonise modern road standards in East Africa. These new links will also cater for the current acute shortage of gravel for road construction

A wide array of crushing, screening and materials handling technologies have been introduced in recent months - Mike Woof writes The manufacturers of crushing and screening products have been developing an array of new systems to optimise production. The recent Hillhead show in the UK was the launch point for a number of these new products, although firms from all over the world have also been developing new designs. Productivity and wear life are two performance factors seeing major benefits from innovatio

A new tunnel connection is helping boost connectivity in Peru, improving access to remote areas Building the tunnel has been an important project as Peru has an imbalance in population distribution with 54.6% of its inhabitants concentrated in the areas along the Pacific Ocean, while only 32% of the population lives in the Andes highlands and 13.4% in the Amazon tropical jungles. The imbalance is acute given that the tropical jungle areas account for 60% of the country’s national territory. Economic deve

Jeddah’s international airport in Saudi Arabia is benefiting from a major revamp to help boost capacity. The King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) near Jeddah has seen a massive increase in passenger numbers in the last 20 years Demand has continued to grow due to both business travel and religious tourism and the KAIA authorities opted to expand the facilities in 2006, in line with anticipated needs. That first phase of the planned expansion is being completed during this year, making KAIA the la

Manufacturers of excavators and wheeled loaders continue to roll out new models aimed at specific markets - Mike Woof writes With tough emissions controls now in place in Europe and North America, manufacturers have developed an array of advanced solutions to meet requirements, while also developing parallel models for sale in other territories. In the earthmoving sector the latest round of requirements in Europe and North America has resulted in a flurry of new, low emission models equipped with Tier 4

Improving road safety in the EU has resulted in a drop in the fatality rate. Official figures just released show that the number of people killed on Europe's roads fell by 8% in 2013. This follows on from the drop in fatalities of between 2011 and 2012 and Europe is on track to halve road deaths in the 2010-2020 period Figures released by the European Commission provide grounds for optimism and Antonio Avenoso, executive director of the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) said, “We welcome the reductio

An array of new technologies will help optimise road drainage and minimise flooding risks - Mike Woof reports In the UK the specialist contractor Lanes Group has carried out extensive inspection work of the drainage systems for the M6 toll route around the city of Birmingham. A powerful zoom camera has been used to carry out the inspection work for Midland Expressway, which operates and maintains the 43km-long motorway, running from Coleshill to Cannock.

A new highway in Mexico is connecting Necaxa with Tihuatlan and the project features challenging terrain - Mauro Nogarin reports In Mexico a landmark highway project is now close to completion, having set a number of records for Latin America.

Berco, the Italian heavy equipment machinery undercarriage parts manufacturer, is targeting strong growth after hitting back at what the firm describes as market competitor rumours of its decline and the relocation of much of its manufacturing capability to China. Speaking during a construction equipment trade media and customer tour of Berco headquarters in Copparo, near Ferrara, in northern Italy, Matteo Seghieri, the company’s Global Aftermarket Sales Manager, said, “Berco went through a very importan

The IRF is a member of the Advisory Group of the EDGAR project aiming at delivering greener asphalt roads This is an important project as reducing energy consumption is a major challenge and responsibility for the construction industry. This is not just because of the rising prices of fossil fuels, but also because of the ecological impact of the associated emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG).