Road Structures

Iceland has opened its longest tunnel, a 7.9km structure between Neskaupstaður and Eskifjörður, to replace a mountain road often closed during winter storms. Construction of the Norðfjarðargöng tunnel on Route 92 in eastern Iceland started in 2013 and has cost just over €118 million. Tunneling, done using the traditional Nordic drill and blast method, was finished in 2015. The the two-lane Norðfjarðargöng tunnel replaces a smaller tunnel, the 640m Oddsskarðsgöng tunnel, a single-lane structure where cars

Morocco’s road development programme is continuing with the announcement of plans for new motorway projects and upgrades. The country’s motorway company, ADM, will spend US$366.8 million on building a new motorway link from Berrechid to Tit Mellil and also to add lanes to the Casablanca to Berrechid connection. The latter will help reduce congestion at peak periods and improve journey times for users. New automated tolling systems are also being introduced on the country’s motorway network.

A series of major road projects is being carried out in Panama. The Santiago-David road is being upgraded at present. The work has been split into five sections, with the entire project expected to cost US$1.08 billion. The plans are now being drawn up for the 40km section connecting San Juan and La Pita. This stretch of the project will cost $218.26 million to carry out.

Concern is being expressed over official reports in Norway that 1,087 of Norway’s 16,971 bridges are in need of repairs. The structures in question feature damage that is considered substantial enough to affect their load capacity or safety. The reports also reveal that just eight of the country’s bridges have been inspected since 2013. Norway’s Public Road Administration (Statens Vegvesen) has the task of inspecting the country’s bridges and ensuring they meet requirements. However there are concerns over

Two new road tunnel links and a new multi level interchange will be constructed in Oman. These tunnel sections will run under the Bidbid-Sur road and will boost safety for road users by giving protection from potential landslides. One 600m long tunnel will be built in Nidab town and the other tunnel will be 450m long and will be built in Wadi Al Aqa. Oman’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MoTC) is managing the work.

Construction of a US$7.17 billion (A$9 billion) highway in New South Wales, Australia will require the demolition of up to 100 homes to prepare the route. The properties that will have to be demolished have a combined value of some $318.62 million (A$400 million), with owners having to be paid the necessary compensation. The 23km route will extend the existing M1 Princes Motorway. Construction of the tolled route will help reduce congestion in southern Sydney.