News

Spanish firm Copasa of Spain has won the package of works to build Uruguay’s Ruta 14 Centro-Oeste highway. The contract is a build and operate deal, while the concession is for a 20 year term.

The organisers of the 17th SMOPYC construction equipment show in Spain report strong attendance, both from exhibitors and show visitors. The event was held at the Feria de Zaragoza from 25th to 29th April, attracting 55,317 visitors to the fair. SMOPYC provided a key meeting place for the Spanish construction machine market, with over 65,000m2 of exhibition space for 870 exhibitors, of from up to 49 different countries.

The cost of a highway project in Panama has increased significantly since the work was first awarded. Much of the higher price for the work is due to the installation of additional safety measures.

Work on the Highlands Highway in Papua New Guinea now looks set to commence shortly. The project had been delayed as local residents had to be resettled before construction could start in earnest. The US$85.4 million project to build the Keltiga to Kagamuma stretch of the highway is being carried out by a Chinese contractor, China Harbour Engineering Co (CHEC). In all the project is costing $190.6 million and involves building a highway route featuring two lanes in either direction.

A form of tolling is currently being considered for the city of Auckland in New Zealand. The plan is being evaluated by The Auckland Council and New Zealand's Ministry of Transport.

A shortlist of six firms has been drawn up in the bidding process for an expressway project in Laos. The new expressway will connect capital Vientiane with Pakxe and will be around 585km long.

Young drivers are more likely to be involved in fatal road crashes, according to new data from the US. A report produced by the AA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that drivers aged 16-17 are four times more likely to be involved in a crash involving one or more fatalities than drivers aged 18 or over.

Plans in Italy call for the construction of a new 15km road link in the northern Emilia Romagna region of the country. The project is expected to cost some €506 million, with around €215 million to be provided by public sources.