News

U.S. telematics giant Trimble has acquired a suite of software solutions from Penmap.com of Bradford, England. Penmap.com’s solutions include both office and field data collection software specifically designed for the cadastral and surveying markets. The acquisition enables Trimble to further cater for local application requirements and customer needs by providing complete customised surveying software solutions for the cadastral market.

Delcan, a multi-disciplinary engineering, planning, management and technology firm, has been awarded Concrete Canada’s 2012 Structural Design Innovation Award for their work on the Whitemans Creek Bridge near Brantford, Ontario. Completed in 2011, Delcan, as Engineer of Record, worked collaboratively with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to complete the replacement of the Bridge. By using what were described as accelerated bridge construction techniques, the Bridge was constructed in only seven weeks,

Brazil’s government will soon be launching a call for tenders to turn 1,038kms of roads into dual carriageways, with US$3.57 billion (BRL 7bn) of associated contracts up for grabs. The projects, being made available by the government via its Dnit transport infrastructure department, include some of the main road arteries in the country, such as the BR-381 in Minas Gerais, where some BRL 1bn will be invested. The government hopes Dnit will be able to invest a total of BRL 14 billion in road infrastructure du

Peru holding company Grana y Montero has resumed talks with Lima district council over the possible construction of a 20.3km motorway between Lima and Callao, ending a 15 year delay in negotiations. The US$800 million project would involve French company Vinci. Grana y Montero and Vinci are also negotiating the implementation of two BRT lines in Lima.

The Chinese city of Wuxi plans to invest US$1.28 billion (CNY 8bn) in transport infrastructure during 2013. Alterations will be made to 150 dangerous bridges and 15 bus routes will be adjusted and opened within the year. Wuxi will also replace and add 100 buses and construct and upgrade 150km of rural roads. The Shuofang International Airport's second-phase terminal expansion will be completed within 2013, part of plans to increase the airport's passenger throughput to 3.6 million per year.

Federal, state and local departments of transportation (DOTs) in the United States have so far allocated US$7 billion in federal funds during the 2013 Fiscal Year (FY), according to the latest Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) data analysis by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The figure, for the year from October 1 2012, is an increase of 56% over the $4.5 billion allocated during the same time period last year. “The current obligation levels are much more in line with w

Ranging from 15 to 19tonnes, New Holland has launched its new B Series PRO generation of wheeled excavators. Boasting brand new controls, the three new models are said to excel in high precision work, while also being remarkably easy to operate and service. The B Series PRO wheeled excavators run high performance, large displacement FPT engines delivering high torque and power. This performance is said to be matched by that of the 3-pump hydraulic system, which maximises swing performance with a dedicated s

Ranging from 15 to 19tonnes, New Holland has launched its new B Series PRO generation of wheeled excavators. Boasting brand new controls, the three new models are said to excel in high precision work, while also being remarkably easy to operate and service. The B Series PRO wheeled excavators run high performance, large displacement FPT engines delivering high torque and power. This performance is said to be matched by that of the 3-pump hydraulic system, which maximises swing performance with a dedicated s

Caterpillar’s new D Series Mini Hydraulic Excavators – 301.7D, 302.2D and 302.4D – are described as powerful, versatile machines that work comfortably in confined spaces. With model configurations closely reflecting their 1.6 to 2.5tonne operating weights, the new machines are said to feature powerful hydraulics, a spacious operator environment and excellent service access. Compact in size, the 301.7D, 302.2D and 302.4D can be easily transported on a trailer, or in a pick-up truck. The 301.7D can be specifi

The Highways Department in Thailand has expedited work to enlarge the road leading to Laem Chabang port. The government wants to increase the road to 14 lanes at a cost of US$83.83 million (THB 2.50bn). Enlarging the road is expected to dramatically reduce traffic congestion at the port. In addition, new roads to connect with major roads leading to the port are being built.

Hungary's new usage-based electronic road toll system will be launched as of the beginning of July 2013, in line with a government decree. The test phase of the system has been scheduled for 5 June 2013. The road toll is expected to generate income of around US$343.42 million (HUF75bn) in the second half of 2013.

Scientists at Oxford University in England have developed a driverless car system that can be installed in existing cars. A Nissan Leaf electric car has been used to test the system developed by a team headed by Professor Paul Newman. The car can deal with adverse weather conditions and halts for pedestrians, as well as being able to take over from the driver when negotiating regular commutes or traffic jams. Professor Newman reportedly describes it as an advanced driver assistance system in essence, claimi