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

  • Formwork developments in bridge construction
    February 23, 2012
    Major infrastructure projects worldwide are relying on innovative formwork solutions for speed and safety as Patrick Smith reports. The 970m long cable-stayed Golden Ears Bridge crossing the Fraser River in Vancouver, Canada, is the core element of a six-lane, highway project near the Canadian west coast.
  • Technology helps earth moving and paving
    August 18, 2014
    Located in Meeker, Colorado and serving the area for air transportation is Meeker Airport, a C-II general aviation airport. The FAA designation of C-II means the airport can accommodate aircraft with wingspan of less than 24m. Runway 3-21 at the Rio Blanco county-owned Meeker Airport had reached a point of wear and deterioration that required full reconstruction and upgrades to remain compliant with the FAA’s C-II requirements.
  • GPS machine control improves construction accuracy
    February 29, 2012
    The latest GPS systems will improve the accuracy of many construction operations. Mike Woof reports. The pace of technological advancement is fast in the GPS market. Despite a market downturn, the GPS solution providers continue to invest in research and development. And there is evidence to suggest that the contracting sector is more keen than ever to employ the latest technology because of the cost benefits this can bring.
  • Formwork innovations help bridge building
    July 7, 2015
    A series of formwork developments are helping with challenging bridge construction projects around the world - Mike Woof writes In the Polish city of Krakow, a cost-effective cable stayed bridge is being constructed using a balanced cantilever technique. The current expansion of the Krakow metropolitan railway network (KST) requires the building of a crossing of the Krakow-Plaszow railway junction. Ensuring that daily rail operations remained unaffected during the construction of the 252m long crossing w