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A new computer system is said to offer huge benefits for maintaining transport infrastructure. This is the product of a world-leading computing project and is called Data and Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure, DAFNI. The project commenced in 2017 to provide world-leading research capabilities to help improve the UK’s infrastructure systems, by making them more resilient and effective. DAFNI can help ensure the UK’s infrastructure is sustainable by running detailed simulations that show a range

Business confidence in construction looks healthy in many countries around the world. Transport infrastructure remains a high priority for construction activity around the globe. China is continuing to develop its own internal transport network, while also funding a massive programme of works under its Belt & Road plan. The impact of the Belt & Road programme is being seen in Asia, Russia and also parts of Africa, with the aim of unlocking economic activity by boosting transport connections, whether by road

Kapsch, working closely with Qualcomm Technologies, is showcasing the latest generation of roadside ITS station platforms, fostering deployment for Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS). Kapsch says that it has introduced the first configurable roadside ITS station platform for C-V2X direct communication, the RIS-9260. The C-V2X-based intelligent transport system (ITS) station platform - also known as a roadside unit (RSU) - is based on the Qualcomm 9150 C-V2X chipset solution. It connects

Telent Technology Services has been awarded a major eight-year traffic signals and ITS maintenance contract for England’s Essex county. The award was given to Telent, a UK-based company, by the contractor Ringway Jacobs on behalf of the Essex Highways Partnership. The deal will include maintenance of 231 traffic signal junctions, 262 traffic signal crossings, four emergency wig-wag lights, 30 car park count sites, 48 car park guidance Variable Message Signs (VMS), 17 vehicle actuated signs and 398 school

Flir says that it has upgraded its thermal traffic sensor and detector with traffic data collection features. The company says ThermiCam2 uses thermal energy emitted from road users – rather than light - to detect vehicles and vulnerable road users at night, over long distances and in harsh weather conditions. According to Flir, the solution can be used to detect vehicles and bicycles approaching an intersection, detect wrong-way drivers, count and distinguish vehicles from bicycles and collect traff

The system increases facility efficiency by accurately weighing vehicles travelling up to 15km/h. Coupled with the 4.14m-wide weighbridge, nearly any vehicle, including those with a wide load or trailer, can be quickly screened. Intercomp says its weigh-in-motion LS630-WIM system is ideal for high traffic volumes at temporary facilities to monitor axle weight or GVW (gross vehicle weight) compliance. Additionally, the portable system can be used at multiple locations as two people can deploy or stow the s

Curtin University in Perth, Australia, is rolling out more Actibumps for slowing traffic after what is says has been a successful trial of four systems. “We expected the same effect as in Sweden,” said David Eskilsson, general manager at Edeva, the Actibump manufacturer based in Linkoping. “But the decrease in the percentage of speeding drivers from over 70% of all drivers in January to below 25% in October last year on the most difficult site has been better than even we expected.” In January 2018 Curtin

Singapore is opening the tender process for a major road project. The tender is for the construction and design of a section of the North South Corridor (Viaduct). This new link will connect Yishun Avenue 5 and SG Seletar. The tender process is being handled by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority. The closing date for the tender is 29th August, 2019. When fully complete in 2026, this highway will measure 21.5km in length.

A new ring road project is being planned for the city of Kemerovo, in Siberia.

New road connections will have to be built for the second Parana River crossing in Paraguay. In all around 37km of new road connections will be required, costing US$180 million. This work will also require the construction of two smaller bridges as well as an overpass section. Financing for the work is being provided via the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF).

Swarco’s chief operating officer Philipp Swarovski shares his thoughts on highway safety and infrastructure in an age of uncertain future needs. David Arminas reports It was in Austria in 1969 when Manfred Swarovski opened his first glass bead factory. Five years later, operations started in the US. As the years rolled by there followed acquisitions and expansion of manufacturing facilities as well as a shift into intelligent transportation systems globally. Fast forward to 2019 and the family compan

Our Skidmarks page is highly rated by readers. Your input could help make this page even more entertaining. If you come across any amusing road-related stories or pictures email me at [email protected] NOT GONE IN 60 SECONDS A bungling young car thief in Norway found one vehicle too tempting, and also too difficult for his (lack of) skills. The man managed to break into a Volvo saloon but then discovered to his horror that not only was he unable to start it, he was also unable to get out of it. The car

Atlas Copco has launched a mobile electric variable-speed drive (VSD) compressor range especially for tough environments. The Swedish company said the introduction of the air compressors to its E-Air range - from 250-1100cfm - will be staged throughout the year. The plug-and-play, electric-powered compressors are for working in low emission zones. Atlas Copco said the absence of diesel emissions, combined with the low noise levels, as low as 61 dB(A), make the E-Air range perfect for underground appl

A project to reduce carbon emissions from quarrying operations is underway in Sweden.

Transpo says that its barrier fencing Screen-Safe glare screen safety shield protects drivers and work zone crews from headlight glare and debris. It is maintenance-free and simple to install on guardrails and concrete barriers. It is also flexible, for both permanent and temporary work zone applications. Screen-Safe is made from a double-reversed corrugated fabric, formed from hot-dipped galvanised sheet steel. The fabric is also powder-coated to provide additional protection from salt and snow. All-steel

Advances in road design and construction will deliver cost savings In the past 50 years there have been huge advancements in the automobile industry but the roads we drive on remain nearly unchanged. As cars get smarter so too should the infrastructure that supports them. Our planet is covered in roads. And by 2050 our global network of highways is projected to increase by 60%. Volvo Construction Equipment takes a look at possible technologies for the roads of the future, looking at some innovations

Caterpillar is now offering its new GC S Series top-mount, hydraulic, silenced hammers. The firm says that its H115 GC S, H120 GC S, H130 GC S, and H140 GC S models are specifically designed for use with hydraulic excavators weighing from 13-40tonnes. The firm says that the new GC S Series models combine high power-to-weight ratios with simple design. The units are said to be robust, reliable and easy to maintain, suiting duties in general construction, demolition and quarrying. Caterpillar-designed hydrau

Exciting changes in construction will reward the aware contractor - *Jeff Winke comments Hop in a car and drive anywhere in the US and chances are the drive will be on roads and highways that need patching, resurfacing, or widening, and bridges often show signs of needed maintenance. Sadly, things are in bad shape. On the last two report cards from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the US infrastructure scored a D+. This year’s report urges the government and private sector to increase spending

New developments in crushing and screening equipment as well as washing technology will deliver benefits for materials production - Mike Woof writes Competition is tough in the market for quarry material processing equipment, with key firms introducing new systems that are said to boost capacity and performance. Firms offering crushing and screening equipment have expanded their respective ranges, offering additional capabilities for these segments. Mobility and versatility have been key factors in the d

Trimble is offering a new system that can help to boost the quality of drilling and piling work. The firm’s new Groundworks Machine Control System has been developed as a streamlined machine control solution for drilling and piling operations that helps optimise productivity and quality. The firm claims that this highly sophisticated system allows contractors to carry out drilling and piling operations more quickly, safely and accurately than using conventional methods. “Engineered for ease of use, Trim