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Shell Bitumen’s new technology cuts air-polluting emissions by 40%
May 15, 2019
Shell Bitumen has developed molecular technology that cuts 40% of air-polluting emissions -Kristina Smith reports Shell Bitumen is launching a new technology which drastically reduces the amount of harmful air pollutants produced when asphalt mixes are manufactured and laid on the roads. Called Shell Bitumen FreshAir, it reduces six of the seven pollutants produced by at least 40%. The seventh, ozone, is produced in too small an amount to measure changes. “The World Health Organisation has said that 90%
IRF addresses automation in transport at UN Inland Transport Committee (ITC)
May 15, 2019
Automation in transport was the theme of the high-level segment (HLS) that opened the 81st session on the Inland Transport Committee of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in Geneva on 19th February. IRF was invited to share its view with the Ministers and 400 other representatives of governments and key transport stakeholders from over 70 countries present at the meeting. The HLS concluded with the adoption of a resolution on Enhancing Cooperation, Harmonisation and Integration in the
ITF Summit 2019: IRF to host a high-level debate on The Belt & Road
May 15, 2019
The theme of the 2019 ITF Summit which will be hosted in Leipzig (Germany) on 22-24th May has as its theme “Transport Connectivity for Regional Integration” and will gather as usual top decision-makers from the public and the private sector. IRF will be hosting together with China Highway and Transportation Society and the Black Sea Economic Commission (BSEC) a high-level debate on “The Belt & Road: Bridging the gaps for sustainable transport and growth in Eurasia”. Launched in 2013, the Belt and Road
IRF supports Total Foundation for the launch of a road safety coalition in Tanzania
May 15, 2019
The nearing-end of the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) calls on all of us to step up our efforts. The upcoming ministerial meeting, which will be hosted by Sweden in February 2020 and marks the start of a new decade, further offers the opportunity to renew our commitment by bringing to the table concrete action. As a member of the International Road Federation (IRF), Total Foundation is partnering with IRF for the launch of a private sector road safety coalition in Tanzania. Total Founda
Connected vehicles: implications for road networks and mobility
May 15, 2019
Mobility services are expected to undergo spectacular changes within the next two decades with the introduction and widespread use of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology. However, the transition phase from human driving to self-driving will be gradual, requiring incremental interventions on the physical and digital road network to allow it to cope with mixed vehicular traffic. Cities such as Dubai have embraced the challenge by setting a target to reach 25% driverless trips by 2030 as part o
Highway Procurement: IRF Steps up to the plate to leverage long term value
May 15, 2019
Public procurement can be leveraged to deliver long-term value for money, and promote innovation and sustainability, according to a new White Paper published by the International Road Federation in consultation with key international specialists. “When procurement guidelines are not enforced with a high degree of professionalism, there is a much higher risk of sub-optimal delivery,” noted Eric Cook, co-chair of the IRF Committee on Alternative Financing & Procurement, who convened the stakeholders for a h
Airport runway rebuild at Bologna
May 15, 2019
Rebuilding a runway requires special attention to detail to maximise efficiency and safety Airport runways face special challenges with regard to the loads they carry on a daily basis, particularly when aircraft are landing. A modern jet aircraft will typically land at speeds of around 240-260km/h, with a laden 747 weighing as much as 265tonnes at the end of a long flight. The stresses these large aircraft place on runway surfaces are enormous and not just with the massive impact forces exerted during
Safer roads needed for the gig economy
May 14, 2019
Roads everywhere are becoming high-pressure workplaces for millions of gig economy workers, meaning traffic police need a new way to regulate how highways are used. Geoff Hadwick reports from Manchester, UK The way in which the world’s highways are designed, built and used needs to change fast as the gig economy becomes a global phenomenon. Millions of low-paid and badly-trained freelance drivers are now using road as their workplace, all of them working hard under huge amounts of pressure. The tren
Kirk Steudle Named 2018 IRF “Man of the Year”
May 14, 2019
Kirk Steudle, longtime Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and a globally recognized authority on the development of connected and automated vehicles has been nominated to receive IRF's most distinguished individual honour. According to IRF Chairman Eng. Abdullah A. Al-Mogbel "This accolade crowns an exceptional career and a highly respected voice on innovation in transportation, at a time when road sector stakeholders everywhere are embracing creative thinking in anticipation of ne
Seventh cycle for NCAT Test Track
May 10, 2019
The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) at Auburn University has started its seventh cycle of tests on its 2.7km (1.7mile) Test Track.