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Earlier this year Shell Australia unveiled two major investments in bitumen facilities to help meet demand across eastern Australia.

An agreement between the political leaders of Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan will boost transport connectivity between these nations. The agreement is for joint development of road and railway projects that will link the three countries. Details of the transport projects have not yet been revealed. Other aspects of the agreement relate to cross-border distribution of electricity as well as gas and oil pipelines.

Contracts worth a combined value of more than US$2.5billion have been awarded for two major Canadian highway construction projects. Spanish building firm, ACS, has been awarded a US$1.52billion contract to construct a new 27km eight-lane motorway. The contract also includes the operating of the road for 30 years. Meanwhile another Spanish construction firm, Ferrovial, working in association with SNC Lavalin, has been awarded the around US$1billion contract for the 20km extension of the Toronto 407 motorway

The competitive dialogue phase of the Mersey Gateway Project has begun. The project team are said to have held initial meetings with the three shortlisted bidding consortia, and will be working closely with each of them over the coming months. The aim is for each of the three bidders to submit their detailed proposals by the end of 2012, with an announcement about a preferred bidder likely to come in spring 2013. The value of the construction phase of the project, including land, is estimated at US$961milli

Global congestion presents a serious barrier to economic growth. Some estimates suggest this costs the world economy close to US$1 trillion in lost revenue. However key economies including Europe, North America, Japan and China are amongst those preparing for green commuting. Some 16 of the key Automotive OEMs are working on more than 110 short distance vehicles, with approximately 50 models being already production ready. The remaining 60 are in concept stage, but expected to become production ready by 202

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing substantial funding in place to boost Serbia’s transport infrastructure. The EBRD's investments in Serbia for the 2000-2011 period now total some €3 billion for over 180 projects. For 2012 the EBRD is continuing its financial support of Serbia’s infrastructure, with the Corridor 10 highway being one of the key targets.

New Holland is introducing new models of heavy-duty crawler excavators. The E385C and E485C are in the 35tonne and 48tonne category respectively. The Holland said that they have been built deal with the most demanding applications and harshest conditions. The latest models offer more power and fast cycles with new Tier 4 interim engines and new hydraulics. Fuel consumption is improved through the new hydraulics and new ECO working mode.

The Zoomlion HCC-80 is the latest edition to its crawler crane range. Weighing in at 72.5tonnes, GCS says the HCC-80 is easy to transport, and is among the first in the industry to meet ANSI standards for safe operation. The crane is also said to be ideal for general construction, bridgework and pile driving applications, as well as oil refinery and power plant work.

Using Ammann’s AS1 plant control system, the EcoMix concrete plant combines accurate measuring equipment and comprehensive process control to guarantee perfect, repeatable results, claimed Ammann. The galvanised steel support structure is light, warp resistant and also suitable for areas of increased seismic activity, it is claimed. The EcoModule is equipped with the company’s tried and tested Amix twinshaft paddle mixer and is pre-assembled and tested at the factory.

Doosan is now offering its new DL06K engine, which is designed to meet the needs of the Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB emissions requirements. Delivering 91kW at 1,950rpm, this six cylinder diesel is said to be both powerful and economical and weighs in at 900kg. Common rail, direct injection feeds the fuel to this 5.9litre four stroke diesel engine, which is also turbocharged.

The conveyor units for Sany’s new SYG 5260 THB 36 and SYG 5320 THB 42 concrete pumps are fitted, according to the company, with precision electronic controls that act as ‘electronic brains’ to store vital data. Any errors trigger an instant notification in the colour display. The built-in hydraulic drive unit saves up to 20% of energy. Another key feature is the fully hydraulic sequence control of the conveyor unit in a secure and open hydraulic circuit. The automatic pressure equalisation when switching th

Bidding is healthy for the I-77 Interstate highway project in the US state of North Carolina. This 47km highway runs from the city of Charlotte to Mooresville and the contract will be for a 50 year period. Spanish construction companies ACS, OHL and Ferrovial are all amongst the bidder for the US$501.5 million package, which includes construction, maintenance and. French firm Vinci has formed a partnership with US companies Parsons, Archer Western and Blythe Construction. ACS has ACS formed a consortium wit

Engineering specialist AECOM will carry out a study into the proposed Lower Thames Crossing project in the UK.

A transfer of responsibility is planned for bridges in Qeubec, Canada. Structures currently under the responsibility of the Canadian Federal Government may be handed over to the Quebec Government, should proposed moves be made. This policy looks likely to include the Jacques Cartier Bride. After the completion of the Champlain Bridge, planned for for 2021, the Federal Government may hand over the bridge to the provincial government. This is due to the Federal Government's lack of sufficient funds for the pr