News

New Zealand's Government is now setting budgets for transport improvements. In Auckland transport projects look set to commence following a design agreement worth US$10.52 million. This will be for the $937 million eastern suburban transport projects package.

Liebherr is to introduce two new tracked excavators at Intermat in April, weighing 31 and 44 tonnes respectively. The 31 tonne R936 replaces the R934C and brings with it a Stage IIIB/Tier 4i emissions compliant engine that delivers 160kW from a four-cylinder engine.

Some US$264.5 million (C$278 million) is being budgeted for upgrading road links in the Bas-Saint-Laurent area of Quebec Province, Canada.

Rivard believes its RIV253 TR103 wheeled trencher can help fulfil plans to provide high-speed internet access for homes across the Republic.

Estimates now suggest that repairs to Chile's earthquake damaged infrastructure will cost the country's government in the region of US$1.2 billion. Meanwhile private highway operators are expected to pay an additional $200 million for repairs to links they manage.

Algeria's Government is working on plans to increase the country's highway network substantially over the next five years.

The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has announced its Awards for composites excellence (ACE) at the COMPOSITES 2010 event. The awards were presented in a number of categories, with two awards gone to composite bridge structures.

The Bangladesh Government is to open the bidding process for the 6.15km Padma Multi-purpose Bridge project shortly. The bridge project is expected to cost US$2.4 billion in all.

Planning is now well in hand for the 16th International Road Federation World Meeting 2010 in Portugal. The event is being held in Portuguese capital Lisbon from Tuesday 25th may to Friday 28th May and includes a top-flight programme of speakers and conference topics.

Sri Lanka's war ravaged roads will begin to benefit from a massive improvement programme shortly, following the cessation of hostilities. Some US$3 billion is being spent in the north and east of the country according to the Highways Ministry.

REMU hopes its Big Float 800 floating excavator will be a splash hit on its unveiling at Intermat 2012.

Plans are being formulated for a road tunnel in Bhutan, with phase one of a feasibility study now having been completed by the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI).