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CEMEX is supplying concrete for the Cameron Bridge, a job that forms part of the reconstruction of the Arizona section of Route 89 in the south-western US. Spanning nearly 200m, the new bridge includes four lanes for highway traffic, a pedestrian underpass, and other concrete flatwork that is expected to improve traffic flow and road safety.

Earthmoving machine manufacturers are developing innovative new solutions for customers - Mike Woof reports. In the separate markets for excavators, wheeled loaders, graders and dozers, new models are being unveiled from several key firms. The excavator market is one of the most competitive and it is no surprise that some of the most innovative machines are being developed for this segment. Excavating One of the most significant excavator launches has been for the latest Hitachi hybrid model, which i

The pace of development continues in the soil compaction sector, with key firms rolling out new machines - Mike Woof reports. New soil compaction technology is now being offered by several key manufacturers. Improved machines and new systems to boost performance are being offered by various firms. From BOMAG comes the availability of its Economizer system for its soil compactors. The technology has been well-proven in the BOMAG twin drum asphalt compactors as well as on the reversible plates and trench c

Key developments are being seen in the concrete paving and slipforming market - Mike Woof writes. Key changes are taking place in the concrete paving and slipforming sector, with two of the well-known names in the market recently having changed hands. Both Miller Formless and Power Curbers/Power Pavers have recently been acquired from the families that set up these firms. In both instances the owners of the companies decided to retire and opted to sell these specialised businesses to suitable parties.

Two major manufacturers, Caterpillar and Wirtgen, are introducing new milling machines. Both firms say that these new, high-production units will offer increased output compared with earlier generation equipment. From Caterpillar come the new PM820, PM822 and PM825 machines, which are half-lane milling machines able to handle full-depth removal of asphalt and concrete pavements in a single pass. The firm claims that these units are highly productive and highly manoeuvrable. In operation the machines weig

UK contractor Amey said it has successfully conducted trials of wearable biometric and location device safety technology that could reduce risks to drivers and lone workers. The technology was provided by Fujitsu. It included a collar drowsiness detector and ear clip, measuring changes in blood flow which are indicators of attention loss and an initial sign of fatigue. The small units detect when the body is under stress and help workers raise instant alarms at the touch of a button.

Campbell Scientific Canada has launched its WeatherBrain meteorological system for highways after a year of testing in the city of Magog, Canada. WeatherBrain is a software package that produces readable meteorological data for predicting road and weather conditions, allowing more efficient use of road crews.

The Bahrain-based Sarens NASS Middle East WLL group is boosting its fleet with the addition of 15 new Demag AC-130-5 all-terrain cranes. The firm already has several new Demag all-terrain cranes in its fleet, according to Alhanoof Nass, director of Sarens NASS Middle East. The Demag AC 130-5 all-terrain cranes Sarens ordered feature five axles and are said to be compact for the 130tonne capacity class. The units feature a total length of 14.3m and a carrier width of 2.75m. The cranes also have a standard

A fleet of SDLG wheeled loaders is helping to optimise production at a quarry in Qatar. The three SDLG wheeled loaders are operating long hours and are being used to feed crushing and screening equipment at the site in Qatar. The three SDLG LG958L wheeled loaders have managed to clock 2,000 operating hours in four months at the quarry. The site is owned by Doha-based contracting company Al Maram International, which uses crushing and screening equipment to reduce and sort limestone, primarily for asphalt

The first Chinese-built Liebherr R 922 crawler excavators for low regulated markets are now operating in China. The firm has developed three machines weighing from 20-25 tonnes specifically for customers in low regulated markets. The R 922 crawler excavator sits in the middle of this three-model range, which also includes the R 920 and R 924, and one of the first units from the series is being used for earthmoving work in China. The machine meets the Stage IIIA/ Tier 3/CHINA III emissions, which allows it