News

The first data-collecting sensors as part of a delayed but major roads project have been stationed atop traffic light poles in Chicago. The US city installed two nodes containing computers and sensors including low-resolution cameras as well as air quality sensors, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

Qatar is investing heavily in developing its expressway network. The country’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has a programme of expressway construction worth a total of US$13.68 billion. So far 11 expressways are being built while plans are being drawn up for another 10 routes.

A major urban highway project in Mexico City is expected to help unclog the city’s notoriously congested streets. The new highway section will run from Las Razas through Indo Verdes and link with the Santa Clara area. It will provide a connection so far missing in the city, which is known for its regular traffic jams at peak periods.

The Polish government has approved construction of the second phase of the ring road around Nowe Miasto Lubawskie. A deal is expected to be signed at the beginning of next year to complete the 18km road.

The Serbian government has said it could issue penalties to the Azerbaijani construction company Azvirt for delays to work on the Ljig-Preljina Corridor 11 motorway project. Completion was set for the middle of next month. But last month the government said delays of around a month were due to problems construction the tunnel and bridge sections. The new route is expected to open around 40 days later than originally expected as a result.

The organisers of the upcoming Gulf Traffic Conference intend to provide attendees with a comprehensive programme of discussions. The next Gulf Traffic Conference will gather innovative thought-leaders to deliver high-level discussions on the future of traffic and urban transportation in the Middle East.

Following the offer by Currie & Brown, a leading physical assets management and construction consultancy, to acquire Sweett Group plc, it was today announced that Sweett has been delisted. The combined entity will employ approximately 2,200 employees in over 60 offices in the Americas, Europe, India, the Middle East, the UK and the US. The cost of the purchase was not given.

A new road tunnel in Nepal will provide a key transport link from the country’s capital, Kathmandu. The 2.5km tunnel will be Nepal’s first and should help cut traffic congestion in the Thankot Pass, which lies to the west of the capital.

A new link for Morroco’s road network will connect the port of Kénitra Atlantique to the country’s motorway system. Morocco’s Ministry of Infrastructure is commissioning a study to analyse the possible routes and feasibility for the new port link.