Skip to main content

Earthmoving solutions on Portugal's longest road

Portuguese contractor Mota-Engil Group has been awarded the construction of a 270km Douro Interior Highways project in the north-east of Portugal, one of the longest highway projects ever awarded in the country.
February 17, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSPortuguese contractor 3210 Mota-Engil Group has been awarded the construction of a 270km Douro Interior Highways project in the north-east of Portugal, one of the longest highway projects ever awarded in the country.

To carry out the demanding earthmoving works involved, it called on 178 Caterpillar's Portuguese dealer Barloworld STET for a solution, and this led to a deal for more than 40 Cat machines.

"Mota-Engil contacted us with several requests. Rather than negotiating individually each item, we asked for its overall budget and objectives, and came up with a proposition that covered all their requirements. We were able to meet all its needs from new and used equipment to work tools, service and finance, all in a single package, under one budget. This, what we call a 360 solution, is very advantageous for any contractor," explains Vasco Santos, commercial manager from Barloworld STET.

The deal with Mota-Engil includes three Cat 323D L and two 336D LME medium size hydraulic excavators and three 345D LME and one 365C LME large hydraulic excavators. Five CS76 XT soil compactors, four D6T and one D5K track-type tractors are also included in the package, along with six 730 articulated trucks, two 772 off-highway trucks and others.

In addition to the new equipment, the order incorporates seven used 740 articulated trucks and two pre-owned D8T track-type tractors. All machines are Cat Certified Used products and as such carry a full Cat warranty.

"The 360 solution was the best option for Mota-Engil because it provided us the needed equipment to get the job done with high quality standards. This solution was the one we were seeking due to the advantages of the financial model proposed. We chose Barloworld STET also because we recognise the capabilities of the company in performing the maintenance operations that can eventually be necessary, as well as training for our workers so that we can obtain the best results when using the Cat equipment." says Carlos Mota Santos, board member, Mota Engil.

Mota-Engil was awarded the total 270km of the Douro Interior Highways project, out of which about a third is sub-contracted. The rest, the most challenging sections, Mota-Engil will carry out itself. This means more than 20m³ million of earthmoving; 1,100km of drainage and in excess of 1 million tonnes of coated macadam. Around 145 overpasses and underpasses will also be constructed, along with 30 bridges and viaducts and one tunnel at Bornes. In addition, 28 interchanges with local highways will be constructed to join the new highway into existing infrastructure.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Two Macedonia highway projects are delayed
    June 23, 2017
    Delays have hit the construction of two new highway projects in Macedonia. Funding for the projects has been provided through a loan package from China worth €574 million.
  • Challenging Colombian tunnel completed
    May 30, 2024
    A tunnel stretch on Colombia’s Santa Fe - Cañasgordas highway is complete – Mauro Nogarin reports
  • Meeting Middle Eastern demand
    April 12, 2012
    Although construction projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi demand large volumes of aggregates, many quarries in those regions are being closed by authorities. Much of the demand is being met by quarries in the Emirate of Fujairah which are fast becoming the regions' 'bread basket' for gabbro aggregates. Meeting this demand is a challenge for these quarries and contract drilling and blasting teams are proving essential, as is investment in productivity-enhancing technology. Fujairah-based Technical Drilling and
  • Repair, recycling and warm mix technology at Italy’s Asphaltica exibition
    May 15, 2017
    As the name might suggest, the Asphaltica show in Verona, Italy was a good place to catch up on new ideas and applications for bitumen technology. Kristina Smith picked out a few highlights. Like many of its European neighbours, much of Italy’s road network is in dire need of love and attention. This was a constant theme for the Asphaltica show which was held alongside SaMoTer in Verona from 22-25 February. Speaking at the opening ceremony for the two shows, Michele Turrini, president of SITEB, which repres