Search

An agreement between the political leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan will boost transport connectivity between these nations. The agreement is for joint development of road and railway projects that will link the three countries. Details of the transport projects have not yet been revealed. Other aspects of the agreement relate to cross-border distribution of electricity as well as gas and oil pipelines.

Contracts worth a combined value of more than US$2.5billion have been awarded for two major Canadian highway construction projects. Spanish building firm, ACS, has been awarded a US$1.52billion contract to construct a new 27km eight-lane motorway. The contract also includes the operating of the road for 30 years. Meanwhile another Spanish construction firm, Ferrovial, working in association with SNC Lavalin, has been awarded the around US$1billion contract for the 20km extension of the Toronto 407 motorway

The competitive dialogue phase of the Mersey Gateway Project has begun. The project team are said to have held initial meetings with the three shortlisted bidding consortia, and will be working closely with each of them over the coming months. The aim is for each of the three bidders to submit their detailed proposals by the end of 2012, with an announcement about a preferred bidder likely to come in spring 2013. The value of the construction phase of the project, including land, is estimated at US$961milli

Global congestion presents a serious barrier to economic growth. Some estimates suggest this costs the world economy close to US$1 trillion in lost revenue. However key economies including Europe, North America, Japan and China are amongst those preparing for green commuting. Some 16 of the key Automotive OEMs are working on more than 110 short distance vehicles, with approximately 50 models being already production ready. The remaining 60 are in concept stage, but expected to become production ready by 202

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing substantial funding in place to boost Serbia’s transport infrastructure. The EBRD's investments in Serbia for the 2000-2011 period now total some €3 billion for over 180 projects. For 2012 the EBRD is continuing its financial support of Serbia’s infrastructure, with the Corridor 10 highway being one of the key targets.