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The Highways Department (HD) in Thailand is considering an extension on two elevated roads from Bangkok to maintain its traffic links with the South, North and Northeast should the capital be hit with floods. The HD would extend Boromratchonnanee Elevated Road from Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Road to Phetkasem Road to make sure that traffic to the South does not face any disruption caused by floods in the future. The possible move was disclosed by the HD director-general, Chatchawal Buncharoenkit.

Powes Parkop, the Governor of National Capital District (NDC) Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG), says US $ 305.13 million (PGK 629mn) is being sought by the provincial government for road improvements. Of the targeted total, PGK 600mn is earmarked for the 2013 upgrade of several major routes including the Kookabara Street-Sir John Guise Drive flyover, the Erima roundabout, and the Paga Hill ring road. Some of the sum will also be allocated to build a four-lane road to link Bautama with Gerehu in preparati

The authorities in Nigeria’s commercial centre Lagos aim to improve the city’s horrendous road accident record by targeting defective vehicles. A new system of inspections by the authorities will monitor vehicle condition and ban those that do not meet standards from use. The main target of the scheme will be passenger carrying buses, which have a terrible safety record. However the authorities will also crack down on defective motorcycles and require drivers to be able to show valid insurance documents.

A new road and bridge deal for Gabon will now be handled by Chinese contractor China Road & Bridge Corporation. The US$106 million deal includes construction of the new Booué Bridge as well as the Port Gentil-Omboue Road. Improving infrastructure has been identified as crucial for Gabon’s economy and the new road will be 93km long.

A new policy by the Algerian Government aims to tackle road safety by focussing on bad driving. As part of this scheme the country is introducing a new points-based driving licence at the end of 2012. This is intended primarily as a system for teaching drivers rather than punishing them. Algeria’s regions will introduce sanctions for 24 offences that have been highlighted.

A new standard being agreed for electrical vehicle recharging will represent a major step forward for this market. A new technical standard has now been approved by SAE International, which will lead to major reductions in charging times for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles

Disagreement has been voiced in the Dominican Republic over a key highway contract intended to boost connectivity within the country.

Iran is investing heavily in boosting its transport infrastructure in a bid to boost its economy. The country has plans to build 5,000km of highways and 10,000km of main roads at present. During the first six months of 2012 the country has opened 850km of new roads to traffic. Iran’s Transportation Infrastructure Construction and Development Company plans to boost the road network of the country by 18,000km in all, as well as to build 11,000km of new railways.

JCB intends to further invest in its manufacturing operations in India. The company plans to spend US$99 million (£62 million) on developing a new factory on a 20.83ha site in the city of Jaipur. The signing of the land purchase agreement in Rajasthan marks the beginning of a new expansion phase for JCB India, reinforcing its strong position in the Indian market.

Liebherr is adding to its product range with the acquisition of the German concrete pump manufacturer Waitzinger. This deal broadens the existing Liebherr-Mischtechnik product range and the company says it has plans underway for further expansion of this business segment. Waitzinger is based in Neu-Ulm, close to the Bad Schussenried facility where Liebherr-Mischtechnik is based. The deal was signed between the managing directors of Liebherr-Mischtechnik and Waitzinger Baumaschinen.