News

The EU Commission is giving its approval for the joint venture between Bosch, DEUTZ, and Eberspächer. This partnership is now commencing on an operational basis start as the Bosch Emission Systems joint venture. The agreement is for a complete diesel exhaust-gas after-treatment system for non-road machinery. The package is offered on the basis of a modular system and a range of solutions is available to satisfy future emission regulations.

The US state of Washington is introducing tougher rules against cell phone use while driving. The state also now has a tough line against drivers sending texts while at the wheel. The new rules have been commended by US transportation secretary Ray LaHood. From now on using a cell-phone without a hands-free kit or sending a text while at the wheel is a primary offense in Washington State. This new law strengthens Washington's 2008 ban which allowed law enforcement officials to ticket drivers caught using th

An extension to the existing collaboration between ASECAP and the European GNSS Agency (GSA) will increase efficiency. The aim is to exchange knowledge and experience and to examine together the potential and the use of GNSS applications in highway operations. This arrangement follows on from the 40th ASECAP Study and Information Days, which took place in Turin, Italy recently. The GSA supports the use of European GNSS in road transport to improve traffic management and road safety and reduce CO2 emissions.

The UK city of Sunderland, north-east England, looks set to see construction of a landmark cable-stayed bridge across the River Wear. The structure will be England's tallest bridge and will measure 187m high by 336m long. It has been designed by architect Stephen Spence and the structural engineering company Techniker.

In Serbia the Ministry of Infrastructure has its plans in hand for construction work on the Belgrade-South Adriatic Highway. Contractors will be invited to tender for this €507 million project shortly. The highway will provide an important link for Serbia once it is complete.

The Polish highway authorities plan to spend some €1.47 billion on repairing roads over the next three years. Around 500km of roads will be repaired in 201 under the plan. The project will be aided by funds from the National Road Fund (KFD) and from credits granted by the EIB in 2009. A number of road repairing tenders are already in process with more due later in the year.

Greek contractor Aktor is currently preferred bidder for construction of Bulgaria’s new Trakia highway. This road will link Nova Zagora and Yambol and the plan calls for the highway to be complete within a 25-month period. Apart from Aktor, bids were also submitted by ten companies.

Poland’s General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) says that the country has suffered some €195 million worth of road damage due to recent flooding. The problem is expected to grow once the cost of damage to further roads in the north of the country can be ascertained. The damage includes links under construction at present.

Costs are climbing for the proposed new bridge to link Denmark and Germany. The structure is now expected to cost €282 million. This represents a significant increase from the €192 million estimated just 18 months ago. Meanwhile the cost of the environmental permit has also doubled.

With filling stations now selling foodstuffs, this can attract unwanted attention. (photo courtesy of World Highways reader Bogdan Schiteanu).

With filling stations now selling foodstuffs, this can attract unwanted attention. (photo courtesy of World Highways reader Bogdan Schiteanu).