Peru port plans project
A new 23km road is being built that will improve connections to Peru's port of Callao by linking the Avenida Argentina with the Panamericana Norte highway.
Safety first - understanding bitumen hazards
BP Bitumen has launched its new SafetyFirst initiative using "some best in class industry practices" to help its partners better understand some of the main hazards associated with bitumen storage and handling. The bitumen industry has worked hard at improving safety and has achieved significant results. "But we still need to be more vigilant: we want to ensure that our plant employees, and customer employees as well as third party employees, are sustaining continuous personal development, utilising best pr
Vital structures
A wide variety of products are available to help bridge owners reduce the need for costly repairs. Bridges are one of the most expensive structures on a highway system, and their maintenance, and where necessary, repair will save millions over time. Prevention being better than cure means that anything that can be done to reduce the need for repair is a good investment. For example, a MOOG bucket-type inspection unit has been commissioned for the Naini Bridge in Allahabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Indi
Smarter vision
Allied Vision Technologies says that its new Prosilica GX1920 HD camera offers a high resolution solution for traffic imaging applications.
Panama plans projects
Panama City will benefit from four road contracts worth a total of US$112.4 million awarded to deal with transport upgrades.
Asphalt products manufactured to customer requirements
Spanish company DITECPESA has developed, manufactured and sold asphalt products since 1988, and has grown steadily due to the supply and quality of its services, the extension of its product range, and the use of applied research projects.
Colombia-Venezuela link delayed
Severe weather conditions in Colombia have delayed work to the key Autopista de Las Americas highway project.
Fast post installation
A novel single part post mix concrete is now available in the Ultracrete line-up from the Instarmac Group. The SUPER FIX product delivers a rapid hardening blend of cements, graded aggregates and additives and suits duties such as the installation of posts, fences and poles. The product is said to be simple and easy to use and requires the addition of water on-site. Versatile and rapid setting, the product is poured into the post fixing hole and water is then added. This speeds installation and eliminates t
IRF Awards challenge
The International Road Federation (IRF) has opened its 2011 Global Road Achievement Awards (GRAA) Competition.
Italy must “deal” with manufacturing competition
Italian construction equipment manufacturers are being urged to embrace “internationalisation” if they are to survive and prosper after new figures revealed declining domestic but rising export sales in 2011.
Safety barriers offer positive workzone protection
A road project in Utah has benefited from the use of effective barrier protection during construction. *Paul Grant reports An upgraded section of road from 3500 South in West Valley City, Utah, is now open to traffic. The link was completely rebuilt by Utah DoT (UDOT) from the Bangerter Highway to 2700 West, and the road carries traffic from West Valley toward downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah. The work added two centre lanes, which are now the first dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes in Uta
US construction machinery exports gain 28%
The market for exports of US-made construction machinery closed out 2010 with a gain of more than 28% compared to the previous year, for a total of $16.4 billion dollars’ worth of equipment sold worldwide, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Improved detection of buried objects can be achieved using the latest tool from Radiodetection
A novel and low cost way to heat shrink sleeves to existing fence posts is offered by Postsaver. This product can be applied with a hand-held blow torch and offers a solution that will extend fence post life.
Choosing the right modified bitumen made easier
Choosing the correct high performance binder material for use in asphalt applications has been made easier following a product rebranding exercise by one company. Awareness among highway maintenance contractors of the benefits of selecting polymer modified bitumens when specifying road surfacing materials has risen markedly in the last few years.
Road concessions for Mozambique
The authorities in Mozambique are evaluating tenders for two key road concessions, worth a total of US$700 million.
New compaction machines, high performance and efficiency
Soil compaction BOMAG is pushing technological boundaries in the soil compaction sector with the market introduction of its giant 32tonne machines, which was shown in prototype/concept form at bauma in 2007. According to the firm the concept model attracted considerable interest and the company opted to develop the unit for series production. The new BW332 single drum roller is now the heaviest such machine on the market.
Costa Rica's growing road problem
Costa Rica's road network requires further investments to prevent it from worsening. According to data from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) some US$200 million/month is required to tackle the issue.
Oman deal for Turkish/Italian partners
The first phase of Oman's new Sur road project is now being carried out by a joint venture comprising Turkish contractor Ozkar Insaat (Ozkar) and Italian firm Astaldi.
Tanzania road deal for Australian consultant
Australian engineering consultant SMEC is handling key construction supervision contracts in Tanzania. The firm will supervise upgrading work on the Nzega-Tabora road, which is being rebuilt with an asphalt surface.
Guiding hand from Pexco
A lane separation system from Pexco is guiding more than 6,000 vehicles each day through changing traffic patterns.