Newsroad-bridgeAtssa Chair-Elect To Address Congress Today
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roads & bridges
Feb 12, 2025Atssa Chair-Elect To Address Congress Today
Today, Haley Norman, Co-Owner of Direct Traffic Control, will speak before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit to address the challenges that roadway safety infrastructure businesses encounter in bringing life-saving innovations to market.
Norman is the chair elect for the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) and serves on its Board of Directors and Women in Roadway Safety Council. ATSSA represents more than 1,500 companies, which account for more than 11,000 industry professionals in sign manufacturing, pavement marking, guardrail and barrier, traffic signals and technical innovation fields.
Direct Traffic Control Inc. is a family-owned business located in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and serves Oklahoma, Kansas and western Arkansas. It provides traffic control, highway and airport markings, guardrail installation and roadway surface preparations.
Despite the critical role that roadway safety innovations play in preventing accidents and saving lives, many innovations struggle to make it to market due to regulatory hurdles, funding challenges, and slow adoption processes.
Innovations such as Delta Crash Cushion Attenuators, though simple in design and installation, are proven to protect vehicles from impacting blunt ends of concrete median barrier, bridge railing and highway guardrail.
Other lesser thought of safety infrastructure including cable barriers have also proven to reduce the risk of crashes that occur when a vehicle crosses over a highway median and into oncoming traffic. Cable barriers installed in Ohio for example were 74% effective at reducing total crashes and 80% effective at reducing fatal and injury crashes.
Norman’s testimony will highlight the urgent need for streamlined regulations and increased investment in roadway safety innovations that have been proven to save lives.
The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. ET and will be livestreamed on the House Transportation and Infrastructure YouTube channel.
Source: American Traffic Safety Services Association
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roads & bridges
Illinois Considers Road Usage ChargeIllinois lawmakers are considering a road usage charge pilot program as the state grapples with declining gas tax revenues. As vehicles become more fuel efficient and electric cars gain popularity, funding for road and bridge maintenance has taken a hit.
The proposed controversial program, introduced by state Sen. Ram Villivalam, Chicago, and Sen. Christopher Belt, East St. Louis, would tax drivers based on miles driven rather than fuel consumption. The initiative aims to create a sustainable revenue source for infrastructure projects like the new viaduct project set to begin in Chicago’s North Side.
“We need to ensure there’s sustained funding to guarantee the safety of our roads, bridges and mass transit,” Villivalam said in a statement.
Under the pilot program, roughly 1,000 motorists would voluntarily track and report their mileage to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Some drivers may use a transponder, while others could submit odometer photos.
Those who pay more in gas taxes than the mileage charge would receive a refund.
Oregon and Utah have already implemented similar programs, while Pennsylvania and California are exploring the idea, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The road usage charge would likely not replace the motor fuel tax immediately but could provide a long-term solution.
Source: NBCChicago.com, 1440WROK.comroad-bridge
17 March 2025
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Chinese Contractors Struggling To Secure Deals In Democratic Countries To Build New Silk RoadChinese contractors are struggling to secure contracts in democratic countries in Xi Jinping’s efforts to build the “new Silk Road”.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been touted as the biggest infrastructure project the world has ever seen and has seen China investing in building rail, road and sea routes for more than 140 countries.
Launched in 2013 by Chinese president Jinping, the majority of planned developments were originally intended to link parts of east Asia with Europe through transport infrastructure. Since then, the scheme has expanded to include many nations in Africa, Oceania and Latin America.
New research from the University of Exeter and Duke Kunshan University in China has revealed Chinese construction and engineering contractors working as part of the BRI face greater challenges in democratic countries.
Closer ties with the United States and the presence of institutions that oppose the initiative in less authoritarian nations has seen business for Chinese contractors take a dramatic hit.
The study, published in International Studies Quarterly, has revealed how Chinese contractors are winning significantly more contracts in countries with more natural resources and that receive more official finance from China.
Research has further shown a significant negative relationship between the presence of democratic institutions in host countries and the values of contracts won by Chinese contractors in those nations.
The study also explains that Chinese infrastructure contractors do significantly less business in countries that are further geographically from China and which are less similar to China in UN voting behaviour. Chinese contractors also appear to do less business in countries receiving less financing from the World Bank. There is also a negative association between NATO membership and contracts won by Chinese contractors.
Construction contracts under the BRI have been often financed through loans provided by Chinese financial institutions or contractors themselves. They are backed by guarantees from the host country’s governments involving natural resources like oil, gas or minerals.
BRI has two intertwined goals of increasing China’s diplomatic reach across the globe while also expanding the presence of Chinese companies overseas. The research states these goals are conflicting as host governments joining the BRI are negatively associated with infrastructure contracts for Chinese companies in those countries as when a country joins the initiative there is more pressure for the contracts to be given to non-Chinese contractors.
University of Exeter lecturer in international relations and co-author of the university’s paper Andrea Ghiselli said: “The aim of China’s Belt and Road initiative is to increase China’s diplomatic clout and expand the presence of Chinese companies overseas. We found these goals conflict when the partner country is a democracy.
“Chinese contractors may be more likely to penetrate the markets of non-democratic countries, thereby increasing the stake of the Chinese government in those countries’ stability by increasing the presence of Chinese citizens and assets.”
Duke Kunshan University lecturer in political science and co-author Pippa Morgan said: “There is a negative relationship between host state democratic institutions and infrastructure contracts won by Chinese firms overseas.
“Democratic institutions allow a mix of domestic and international forces to limit business opportunities for Chinese contractors.
“This is the result of blowback against the BRI within democracies as the joining of the initiative triggers pressure on the executive to limit Chinese involvement in the economy, with unanticipated negative consequences for Chinese contractors.
“Beijing faces an important and unexpected trade-off between diplomatic and economic goals when it comes to persuading a democratic country to join the BRI.
“Even successful diplomatic attempts to foster political and diplomatic alignment cannot offset the negative effects caused by differences in the regime type of the two trading partners.”
China response
The Chinese government indirectly responded to the research by releasing an update on BRI through the publication of Report on the Work of the Government.
It states that 2024 saw the highest BRI productivity ever, with $70.7bn (£54.4bn) dealt in construction contracts and $51bn (£39.3bn) in investments. The report further states that construction contracts continue to be dominated by state-owned enterprises.
Despite this, the government report does highlight how the share of Chinese engagement in the BRI through investments compared to construction dropped in 2024, reaching about 42% of BRI contract and investment engagement compared to 53% in 2023.
Known officially in Chinese as “One Belt, One Road”, the Belt and Road initiative is formed of two overarching corridors of investment. These are the Silk Road Economic Belt, which travels from China to Central and South Asi through the Middle East to Europe, and a sea-based route, the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, connecting China to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe via major sea travel corridors.
Within the Silk Road Economic Belt element of the programme are a number of infrastructure land corridors which intend to be built. These span 60 countries and have been estimated to cost between $4–8 trillion (£3-6 trillion).
These corridors are; the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, which would see $62bn (£48.2bn) worth of infrastructure projects constructed throughout Pakistan; the New Eurasian Land Bridge, which runs from western China to western Russia through Kazakhstan and includes the Silk Road Railway through China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland and Germany; the China–Mongolia–Russia Economic Corridor; the China–Central Asia–West Asia Corridor; the China-Indochina Peninsula economic corridor and the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network.
At the end of last year, China’s vision of building the “new Silk Road” took a big hit as Brazil became the third country to pull out of the multi-trillion dollar infrastructure project.
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17 March 2025
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Hs2 | Beams For New A43 Bridge Over High-Speed Line Successfully Lifted Into PlaceConstruction of a new bridge to facilitate the High Speed 2 (HS2) railway beneath the A43 near Brackley has made significant progress, with the final steel beams successfully positioned during a recent series of weekend closures.
The A43 is a crucial transportation route that connects Oxford, Brackley and Northampton, serving as a vital artery for access to Silverstone and linking the M40 and M1 motorways. The road reopened just after midnight on Saturday, 15 March, following its closure for three weekends to allow for this essential construction work.
Preparatory efforts commenced in 2023, as HS2 engineers collaborated with National Highways to realign the A43, creating an island between the carriageways large enough to accommodate the bridge's construction. Employing a 'top-down' construction method, the team has established 52m deep piled foundations, along with pile caps and piers to support the 66m-long bridge deck.
The construction site recently saw the last of seven steel beams lifted into place using a 750t crane. With these beams now secured, attention will shift towards constructing the concrete deck and parapets. Once completed, the A43 will be transitioned onto the new bridge, enabling excavation to begin for the railway which will run underneath.
This staged construction strategy aims to alleviate traffic disruption, allowing for smoother transit during the ongoing works.
The 80km stretch of railway near Brackley, including the A43 bridge, is being developed by HS2’s principal contractor, EKFB, a consortium that includes Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall, in collaboration with the design joint venture ASC, which consists of Arcadis, Setec and Cowi.
They worked with National Highways and EKFB’s sub-contractor Kier Transportation to construct the temporary realignment, to keep traffic flowing during the work.
A43 Beam installation view looking along the future HS2 route
HS2 Ltd senior project manager Elizabeth Longinotti said: “The A43 is a busy route between Brackley and Northampton and I’d like to thank drivers for their patience over the last three weekends, allowing us to safely lift the enormous steel beams into position while the road was closed.
“With the beams now in place, we can focus on the next part of this complex multi-stage project – pouring the concrete deck ready for the road to be moved onto the new bridge early next year.”
National Highways route manager Bill Freeman said: “This is an enormous project which will inevitably impact on people using our roads but we have worked very hard for a long time now to keep that disruption to a minimum.
“For a number of years we have been liaising with HS2 and their partners to develop a plan which would reduce the disturbance to road users during the construction of this huge structure.
“We have also taken advantage of the road closures to expedite our own works improving drainage and repairing the slope along the A43, between Brackley and Syresham, reducing the need for further disruption.”
EKFB deputy project director Timothée Scherer said: “The successful execution of the beam lift represents a crucial milestone in our project. This accomplishment underscores the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of our team, who have meticulously worked to ensure the safe and efficient installation of the beams. This progress brings us significantly closer to the realisation of this essential infrastructure project, which is destined to substantially enhance regional connectivity and transportation.”
Kier Transportation senior project manager Tim Boardman said: “It’s fantastic to see the beam lift take effect, and we’re now starting to see the bridge really take shape. Putting this solution into place has required a huge amount of expertise and collaboration with our partners, and we’re proud of the impact it will have. We look forward to moving onto the next stages of the project, while continuing to work hard to minimise disruption for road users and the local community.”
Nature bridge progresses
In additional developments, significant progress has also been reported at the Turweston Viaduct, closely situated to Brackley, which will be a crossing for wildlife over the high-speed line.
The 80m-long deck beam has been fully positioned after being assembled nearby and then slid into place on specially designed pads. This process utilised PTFE, a friction-reducing material commonly found in non-stick cookware, to ease the installation of the 591-tonne steel structure.
The Turweston Viaduct is part of a series of five viaducts being constructed for the HS2 project that employ an innovative 'double composite' design that incorporates reinforced concrete layers, significantly enhancing structural efficiency and reducing carbon emissions associated with the construction process.
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17 March 2025
Highway News
National Highways Reveals Shocking Roadside Littering Habits As It Backs Great British Spring CleanResearch commissioned by National Highways has revealed that 65% of drivers who admit to littering have discarded food and drink waste on the roadside.
Of those who admitted to littering:
22% say they litter out of habit
20% intentionally discard biodegradable items to feed wildlife – despite the fact this causes 3 million animal deaths a year
15% do it because they say they don’t have time to dispose of it properly
13% justify their actions by claiming “everyone does it”
While roadside litter is a nationwide issue, it is more prevalent among young drivers, with nearly one in three (31%) of 18 to 24-year-olds and almost a quarter (24%) of 25 to 34-year-olds admitting to discarding litter on the roadside in the past year. Meanwhile, 19% of 35 to 44-year-olds confess to similar behaviour.
In addition, 10% of drivers do not think that people who have to pick up litter from the side of the road are taking any risks with their lives.
The research is released as National Highways prepares to support the Great British Spring Clean for the tenth consecutive year, reinforcing its commitment to keeping the nation’s roads clean and litter-free.
Taking place from Friday 21 March to Sunday 6 April, the Great British Spring Clean, led by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, is an annual campaign which encourages communities across the country to come together and tackle litter in their local areas.
This year, National Highways teams have set a target of collecting at least 5,500 bags of litter from across the network. The team’s efforts contributed to the national total of over 425,000 bags collected during the 2024 campaign.
A new range of anti-littering signs have been installed on slip roads nationwide to urge drivers and passengers to play their part in keeping the country’s roads clean, protecting both the environment, wildlife and overall safety of road users. The messaging aims to influence driver and passenger behaviour to dispose of litter responsibly.
A study carried out by National Highways last year found littering can have a deadly impact on wildlife. The results revealed that nearly half of participants were unaware that items like fruit peels and apple cores – which lure animals into often fatal situations – fall into the litter category. The research also unveiled widespread confusion among road users on the connection between littering and wildlife safety, with drivers who admitted to littering, not viewing biodegradable food as litter.
National Highways Head of Customer Journeys, Freda Rashdi, said:
“We’re proud to support the Great British Spring Clean for the tenth consecutive year and encourage everyone who can to get involved — whether by joining local litter-picking events or simply disposing of waste responsibly.
“Littering doesn’t just harm the environment, it also puts those who clean it up at risk. Plus, it can have devastating effects on wildlife and animals. By working together, we can help keep our roads and communities clean and safe.”
Allison Ogden-Newton, Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, said:
“With more vehicles than ever before on our roads and a significant increase in our food and drink on-the-go culture, roadside litter is a growing problem. It presents a massive challenge to those who are tasked with looking after our road network and a danger to the wildlife that actually thrives on the verges and banking by our motorways.
“The Great British Spring Clean is an opportunity for everyone who cares about the environment on their doorstep to do something to tackle the blight of plastic pollution and we are grateful to National Highways for their support.”
National Highways’ involvement in the Great British Spring Clean is part of a broader strategy to influence behaviour, promote responsible waste disposal, and maintain cleaner roads. Throughout the campaign, regional litter-picking events will take place with National Highways employees, supply chain partners, and local communities joining forces to make a difference.
PIC: National Highwaysroad-bridge
17 March 2025
Highway News
Hs2 Beam Lift Progress For Brackley’S A43 BridgeThe construction of a bridge that will allow high speed trains to pass under the busy A43 near Brackley has taken a major step forward with the structure’s enormous steel beams lifted into position during a series of three weekend closures.
The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to Silverstone and connections between the M40 and M1. It was reopened just before midnight on Saturday night after the last of three weekend road closures.
Preparation for the work began in 2023 when HS2 engineers, working closely with National Highways, realigned the road to create an ‘island’ between the two carriageways big enough for the construction of the new bridge deck.
Using a ‘top-down’ approach, they sank 52m deep piled foundations and then built the pile caps and piers that will support the 66-metre-long bridge deck carrying the road. This weekend, they lifted the last parts of the seven steel beams that will support the bridge deck using a 750-tonne crane.
With the beams now in position, the team will focus on the concrete deck and parapets. Once the bridge has been built, the road will be moved back onto the new bridge and excavation can begin to create space for the railway to pass underneath.
This multi-stage approach was designed to keep traffic flowing and disruption to a minimum.
HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager Elizabeth Longinotti said: “The A43 is a busy route between Brackley and Northampton and I’d like to thank drivers for their patience over the last three weekends, allowing us to safely lift the enormous steel beams into position while the road was closed.
“With the beams now in place, we can focus on the next part of this complex multi-stage project – pouring the concrete deck ready for the road to be moved onto the new bridge early next year.”
National Highways Route Manager, Bill Freeman, said: “This is an enormous project which will inevitably impact on people using our roads but we have worked very hard for a long time now to keep that disruption to a minimum.
“For a number of years we have been liaising with HS2 and their partners to develop a plan which would reduce the disturbance to road users during the construction of this huge structure.
“We have also taken advantage of the road closures to expedite our own works improving drainage and repairing the slope along the A43, between Brackley and Syresham, reducing the need for further disruption.”
The 80km stretch of railway that passes Brackley – including the A43 bridge – is being delivered by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall working with ASC (a joint venture between Arcadis, Setec and COWI).
They worked with National Highways and EKFS’s sub-contractor, Kier Transportation, to construct the temporary realignment, to keep traffic flowing during the work.
EKFB Deputy Project Director Timothée Scherer, said: “The successful execution of the beam lift represents a crucial milestone in our project. This accomplishment underscores the diligent efforts and unwavering commitment of our team, who have meticulously worked to ensure the safe and efficient installation of the beams. This progress brings us significantly closer to the realisation of this essential infrastructure project, which is destined to substantially enhance regional connectivity and transportation”.
Tim Boardman, Senior Project Manager at Kier Transportation, added: “It’s fantastic to see the beam lift take effect, and we’re now starting to see the bridge really take shape. Putting this solution into place has required a huge amount of expertise and collaboration with our partners, and we’re proud of the impact it will have. We look forward to moving onto the next stages of the project, while continuing to work hard to minimise disruption for road users and the local community.”
The last few weeks have also seen significant progress for the nearby Turweston viaduct near Brackley, with the 80m long deck beam now slid fully into position. The 591-tonne steel structure was assembled to one side and slid out on special pads covered in PTFE – a Teflon-like material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the piers.
Turweston is one of five viaducts on the project which use an innovative ‘double composite’ structure, with layers of reinforced concrete on the top and bottom to create a much more structurally efficient box-like span which dramatically cuts the amount of embedded carbon in the design.
In total there are more than 500 bridging structures on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space for more local trains on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line into London Euston.
These range from small footbridges and underpasses, to innovative ‘green bridges’ designed to help wildlife cross the railway, massive motorway bridges and the record-breaking Colne Valley viaduct.
The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, with the first completed viaduct deck at the complex Delta Junction outside Birmingham and the Small Dean and Wendover Dean deck slides in Buckinghamshire.
PIC: HS2road-bridge
17 March 2025
Highway News
Uk Roads Are In Worse Condition Than Official Reports – Rsta And Gaist Call For Smarter MaintenanceThe Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) and highways technology company GAIST have released new data about the state of the roads in England showing that, although road conditions are significantly worse than official reports suggest, an AI led approach could save £2 Billion.
Using the most comprehensive AI-driven road condition analysis, GAIST has a national view of the Scottish, Welsh and English road networks over the last 6 years. They have segmented the entire UK road network into c.85 Million unique 5 meter segments, with a historic database collecting 4.2 Trillion items of data per year, making it the most detailed analysis available.
The latest findings for 2024 reveal that:
The difference in the figures highlighted above is due to the use of outdated road surveying methods previously used versus the highly accurate analysis provided by GAIST’s AI data.
These findings confirm what road users already suspect: the road network has deteriorated more than official data suggests. Many roads are now in a mid-life state, meaning they are not yet at the point of failure but are deteriorating. Without timely and targeted intervention, these roads will soon degrade into more costly pothole-ridden surfaces.
Using their leading AI system, GAIST have identified over £2 Billion of savings that can be made by ensuring utility roadworks meet the standard required, and through targeted preventative maintenance using more cost effective solutions to extend the lifecycle of roads.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is about to introduce a new data standard, PAS2161:2024, which aims to address the inaccuracies of outdated road surveying methods by opening the door to the latest innovation and developments in technology, such as GAIST, to support accurate road condition data collection, thus enabling councils to prioritise maintenance more effectively.
GAIST has pioneered AI-powered road condition data, giving councils high-resolution, real-world insights that improves targeted maintenance, reduces costs, and strengthens funding applications. Many local authorities using GAIST’s technology have already secured significantly more investment for their road networks, proving that better data leads to better funding decisions.
The collaboration between the RSTA and GAIST comes at a critical time, aligning with the UK Government’s push for AI-driven improvements in public services, as outlined by Keir Starmer. Just as AI is to be used to modernise Government decision-making to solve long term complex problems, councils can also leverage these AI-driven insights to allocate road maintenance budgets more effectively, thereby collectively saving the UK billions while preventing roads from falling into disrepair.
Mike Hansford, CEO of the RSTA, on the Road to Change “The developments in this type of technology offer an opportunity to local councils to better understand condition across their full road networks.
The combination of highly accurate data and the adoption of preventative maintenance strategies is the key to tackling the UK’s road crisis. This data highlights that a growing portion of the network is in mid-life, serviceable condition, making it crucial to apply preventative surface treatments before costly potholes develop.
The RSTA is focussed on positive solutions that will support road network operators with the challenge of managing their networks, and seeks to promote how data-driven, proactive maintenance will extend road life, reduce pothole formation, and deliver better outcomes for road users.”
Mr Hansford stressed that accurate data and adoption of preventative maintenance strategies, offer a viable solution for the management of road networks, and makes a call to action, to turn the tide on the decline of our roads.
Steve Birdsall, CEO of GAIST, on the AI Road Revolution “GAIST is a UK company which leads in the development of road condition monitoring using AI. Our insights provide a level of accuracy and forensic detail that is reshaping road maintenance plans.
With over £2 Billion of quick wins identified, councils now have the tools to take proactive action – moving from reactive pothole repairs to smarter, data-driven maintenance. This is a global problem and we are now working with organisations in the USA, Japan, South America, Europe and Australia, to tackle the legacy of underinvestment into roads.
GAIST also provide every item of data required by councils to maintain their footways, road markings, cycleways, road signs and other roadside infrastructure. Councils are making significant savings in these areas by using GAIST’s AI tools to target maintenance effectively.”
PIC-GAISTroad-bridge
17 March 2025
roads & bridges
Kansas I-70 Viaduct Project UnderwayConstruction is officially underway on the overhaul of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct, a project aimed at improving safety and traffic flow along Interstate 70 in downtown Topeka, Kan. Officials gathered Friday for a groundbreaking of the $239 million state-funded project.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, a long-time Topeka resident, said she has long avoided driving on the viaduct due to its sharp curves and deteriorating condition.
"It scared me to death," she said at the event.
The project, spearheaded by Bettis Koss Construction, a joint venture of two Topeka-based firms, will reconstruct 2.5 miles of I-70 between MacVicar Avenue and S.E. 6th Avenue. The city of Topeka is also contributing $27 million for utility relocations necessary for the redevelopment.
Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla, 76, expressed relief that the project is finally moving forward.
"This is something that I didn't think I'd see in my lifetime, to be honest with you," he said.
The redesign will replace the existing viaduct with two elevated bridges east of S.W. Topeka Boulevard, improving safety by straightening out the highway’s sharp curve near S.E. 3rd Street.
Construction this year will focus on widening I-70 and building the new viaduct. The highway is scheduled to close for six months in late 2026 and early 2027, with full project completion expected by late 2027.
Source: CJOnline.com, WIBW.comroad-bridge
17 March 2025
roads & bridges
Tennessee Working To Reopen Bridge Damaged By Hurricane HeleneCrews with Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Norfolk Southern are working to replace a bridge in Newport, Tenn., that was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, a key step in restoring rail service between Newport and North Carolina.
The replacement bridge is expected to be installed during the week of March 10.
The bridge, along with the rest of the AS rail line, which runs from Newport through Asheville, N.C., and Old Fort, N.C., has been closed since the hurricane struck last fall.
Initial damage assessments found extensive destruction caused by the storm, including washed-out tracks, damaged bridges and other infrastructure failures. Crews have been working steadily to repair the line, and the bridge replacement is one of the final steps in this lengthy recovery process.
The new bridge installation marks a milestone in the railroad’s efforts to restore service to western North Carolina by the end of the month.
Norfolk Southern spokespersons emphasized that the replacement bridge is vital for reopening the rail line.
The railroad has targeted March 31 as the completion date for restoring service between Newport and Grovestone, a region of Black Mountain, N.C., east of Asheville.
Once the bridge is in place, Norfolk Southern will be closer to fully reopening the AS Line and resuming rail service across the region.
Source: Wate.com, WVLT.comroad-bridge
14 March 2025
Highway News
Oxfordshire: £7.4 Million Road Resurfacing Programme To Begin Next MonthNearly 100 roads across Oxfordshire will be improved as part of a £7.4 million highway maintenance programme beginning this spring.
Oxfordshire County Council and its contractor will be visiting 73 towns and villages between 22 April-16 June to carry out surface dressing work. Over one million square metres of carriageway will be treated.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:
“Prevention is better than cure, and this work builds on a similar programme of work, which we carried out last year.
“We realise how important the quality of our roads is to our residents and this work will help keep many miles of highways in a better condition for years to come. Surface dressing is one of the most cost effective methods of roads maintenance, with the spring and summer being the best time to complete the work.
“The council is urging motorists to watch out for notifications of the work taking place and to drive carefully after it has been carried out.”
Driving too fast on a recently treated road can result in broken windscreens or chipped paintwork, as the friction from the tyres can dislodge loose chips. There is also an increased risk of skidding while the new chippings ‘bed in’.
For these reasons, an advisory speed limit of 20mph will be put in place. It is important to adhere to these low speeds until all warning signs have been removed.
Surface dressing involves applying bituminous emulsion onto the road as a binder. This is followed immediately by the application of chippings to dress the emulsion layer.road-bridge
14 March 2025
Highway News
Snacks Over Safety: One In Five Skip Essential Car Checks Before Road TripsNearly one-fifth (17%) of UK drivers admit they skip essential vehicle maintenance checks before a road trip, new research from National Highways today reveals.
In 2024, there were 282,949 reported breakdowns on the UK’s motorways and major A roads, and on average, surveyed drivers who have experienced a breakdown estimated nearly an hour of added delays to their journey. Yet, while many of these breakdowns could have been avoided if car safety checks had been conducted, only 60% see these as essential, with many prioritising packing drinks and snacks (65%) instead.
The research, based on a poll of 1,487 adults, reveals that prepping and packing the car adds 16-30 minutes on average to the total road trip time. For those travelling with kids, it typically takes longer (45 minutes to an hour on average)1.
The most common tasks are packing drinks and snacks (86%) and spare clothes (86%), charging entertainment or mobile devices (77%) and making packed lunches (66%)1.
Only two-thirds (65%) check their tyre tread depth before a long journey, 66% check the oil level and top up if necessary and just 63% plan appropriate rest stops for their journey. The main reasons why nearly a fifth (17%) of drivers put off doing vehicle safety checks before leaving the house is that they rely on someone else to do it (28%) or assume it’s covered by their annual MOT check (21%)1.
Sheena Hague, Director of Road Safety National Highways, said:
“Packing for a trip is rarely straightforward, especially when the family is involved. While most focus on packing personal essentials, simple – but important – things like checking your tyres, topping up your oil and fuel, planning your route and checking the weather forecast are often overlooked. That’s why we have partnered with Halfords to encourage drivers to take a few minutes to prepare before a long journey.”
To coincide with this new research, National Highways is launching its T.R.I.P. and Sip event in partnership with Halfords.
T.R.I.P. is an acronym which reminds drivers to:
The event takes place tomorrow, Saturday 15 March, at the Halfords store in Colchester, giving drivers a hands-on opportunity to learn crucial vehicle safety checks.
Road users can bring their own cars and hear expert guidance from National Highways’ Traffic Officers and Halfords’ trained mechanics. They’ll demonstrate how to check tyre pressure and tread depth, oil and fluid levels, and overall vehicle readiness.
Not everyone feels comfortable checking their own car. Last autumn, 23% of drivers admitted they weren’t confident checking their tyre tread depth, while 16% felt unsure about checking tyre pressure3. However, essential T.R.I.P. safety checks can prevent delays and breakdowns caused by road incidents, poor weather, or running out of fuel.
By focusing on education, drivers will leave the event with the confidence to perform these essential checks before their next long journey.road-bridge
14 March 2025roads & bridges
Saginaw Michigan Bridge To Close For ConstructionSouthbound lanes of Interstate 75 and the Zilwaukee Bridge in Saginaw, Mich. will be closed for preventative maintenance starting in April, with the first stage lasting through June.
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced that the closure will affect the stretch of I-75 from Kochville to Wadsworth Road. The maintenance includes repairs to expansion joints, deck patching, and resealing.
Stage one of the project will begin on Monday, April 14, and is expected to end on Friday, June 27. During this time, southbound I-75 will be detoured onto southbound Interstate 675 from the I-675 junction north of Kochville Road to the southbound I-75/I-675 interchange south of Wadsworth Road.
Additional closures include the southbound I-75 ramp to Adams Street and the Adams Street ramp to southbound I-75.
Detours will direct traffic through southbound I-675 and Tittabawassee Road (Exit 6) to Adams Street and vice versa. The northbound I-675 ramp to southbound I-75 will also be closed, with detour routes via northbound I-75, Highway 84 (Exit 160), and southbound I-75.
Work on the northbound lanes is set to begin July 14, with detour details to be announced in advance.
The entire project is slated for completion in November.
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation, WNEM.comroad-bridge
13 March 2025Highway News
Cleaner, Greener, Safer: School Pupils Get Safety Boost From Road Safety InvestmentA local primary school in Manchester is among the first to benefit from an investment into road safety in efforts to better keep pupils safe.
Alma Park Primary School, based in Levenshulme, has welcomed an introduction of double yellow lines near the school for children and parents on the school run to avoid the dangers posed by unauthorised parked cars as well as cars travelling in and out of the area.
The local school has been the first to have the major new road safety measures installed as part of Manchester-wide project funding from Clean, Green, Safer, Investment Programme. The £15million investment project, which will be carried out over a three-year span, will improve factors such as local roads, green spaces and replacing all litter bins.
Around £2.2million of the investment will be exclusively used to continue improving road safety for children and parents. Whether they choose to walk, cycle or ride into school they can be assured that active travel in their communities will be supported by becoming cleaner, greener and safer.
Some areas will also get new double yellow lines, while others will see new bee-adorned bollards, guard rails outside busy schools and speed bumps all with the aim of fostering a safe environment for everyone.
The investment back into local communities is a wider push in recognising Manchester as a Child Friendly City where children feel safe to walk, wheel or cycle to school.
Following the double yellow lines being installed, Alma Park Primary School has seen a significant reduction in anti-social parking outside the school. Children and parents have reported feeling more confident in travelling to and from the school, now knowing they can comfortably be in the area without the dangers of unwarranted cars.
Find out more about the Clean and Green MCR Campaign including the investment programme and what is happening in your local area and how you can join us.
Councillor Tracy Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said: “I am thrilled to see the installation of double yellow lines outside Alma Park Primary School and how it has already had an impressive impact on the safety of children and parents during the school run.
“This initiative, part of our Clean, Green, Safer Investment Programme, aims to improve general safety across the city and foster better community relations as we stem the flow of traffic and make areas feel safer for everyone. It’s great to see how this is also encouraging residents to actively walk or cycle to school.
“I look forward to seeing the continuation of this project and how we can instil confidence in other school communities in Manchester.”
Richard Williams, the Headmaster at Alma Park Primary School, said: “As a result of the double yellow lines more children can now more safely and confidently cycle, scoot or walk to school without the obstruction of parked cars on Errwood Road.
“We hope to see a reduction in air pollution around the school and I am very pleased to see the real-life benefit of the Council’s investment taking shape. We hope this will continue to encourage our community to embrace active travel.”
PIC-Manchester CCroad-bridge
12 March 2025roads & bridges
Major I-25 Closures In Colo. As Castle Rock Bridge Work BeginsColorado’s Interstate 25 will experience nighttime closures south of Castle Rock this week as construction crews install bridge structures for the Crystal Valley Interchange Project.
The project, a collaboration between the Town of Castle Rock, Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety.
It includes a new bridge over I-25, West Frontage Road and BNSF Railway tracks. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2027.
Closures will occur in phases:
Crews will use two large cranes to install 53 bridge girders, the largest measuring 130 feet and weighing 80,000 pounds.
Residents said the project will ultimately improve access and reduce congestion despite temporary inconveniences. According to a report from Denver 7 News. Motorists are advised to use Colorado State Highway 83 as an alternate route and check COtrip.org for updates.
Source: Denver 7 News, 9 News.comroad-bridge
12 March 2025New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
All 91 Deck Planks Installed On Sunderland’S New Wear FootbridgeThe construction of the New Wear Footbridge in Sunderland has reached a significant milestone with the installation of the last of 91 deck planks, which will create the structure’s walking surface.
This bridge, designed to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, is a vital element of the broader £1bn Riverside Sunderland development project.
The deck planks, measuring 10m in width, were installed by contractor VolkerStevin using a specially designed trolley system that enhances efficiency in the construction process. Each plank was lifted by crane from the southern riverside park and carefully placed onto the trolley, which transported it to the desired location on the bridge.
The bespoke trolley system, equipped with winches, played a pivotal role in the bridge’s construction, allowing workers to move from south to north and safely and precisely install the planks while providing access to the edges for secure placement.
The trolley system at work
After positioning, the planks were secured together
Now all planks are in position, they are being secured together using in-situ concrete to create a seamless deck surface. This is the first stage of the finishing works for the bridge.
Spanning over 250m and standing 30m above the River Wear, the New Wear Footbridge will serve as a crucial connection point between Sunderland city centre and the Sheepfolds area.
Upon completion, the footbridge is anticipated to significantly enhance pedestrian and cyclist access in Sunderland, aligning with the city’s goals for active travel and low carbon initiatives.
Placement of the 91 planks started in January
Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration Kevin Johnston said: “The laying of the final plank is a significant milestone for this incredibly important project, which is a key part of Sunderland’s ongoing transformation.
“To get all 91 of these mammoth, steel reinforced pre-cast concrete deck planks put in place so quickly and efficiently in just over one month is testament to the skill and know-how of our partners at VolkerStevin, who are delivering this project that will provide a fantastic new link between a vibrant Keel Square and newly-created Sheepfolds neighbourhood.
“Sunderland has a proud history of construction and engineering innovation, so to see this tailor-made trolley working effortlessly, carrying tons of steel-reinforced concrete with such accuracy and precision in our city is a real point of pride.
“Credit must go to the crews who have worked tirelessly on the new footbridge. They worked throughout the storms that buffeted the UK, including Storm Eowyn that struck just as the deck plank installation operation was about to begin.
“I can’t wait to see this bridge open, as it will not only provide a vital link in our city, but it will also provide a bird’s eye view of the ongoing development of Riverside Sunderland, the most exciting urban regeneration project in the UK.”
VolkerStevin project manager Will Davies said: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for the entire team. Installing the final deck plank marks a significant step towards the completion of this landmark structure. Despite challenging weather conditions, the team has worked tirelessly to keep progress on track, and we’re excited to see the bridge take its final shape in the coming months.”
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11 March 2025Highway News
£175 Million Green-Lit To Improve Roads And Public Transport In The East MidlandsThe East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board has approved nearly £175 million in funding for transport in the region in the next year (2025/26) – with a further £19m also being consider down the line. £88 million of this funding is new to the region and is thanks to the East Midlands having a regional Mayor and a Combined County Authority.
As we reported last month, the money will be used for urgent road repairs, better transport connections, and projects that help people travel by foot or bike and will be divided between EMCCA and four local councils, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
EMCCA will manage funding for large regional projects, such as junction improvement works which are a key planning condition for enabling the new A50 junction (South Derby Growth Zone). Plus, EMCCA funding willsupport the works on the A614/A6097 scheme (Nottinghamshire). A commissioned study will start the work to review the potential for expanding the Nottingham Express Transit system to support housing and job growth.
Notable Projects:
* Derby City Council will receive funding for several key projects, including the A52/A52T Spondon Interchange to allow better traffic flow and support active travel initiatives, making it easier and safer forpedestrians and cyclists.
* Nottingham City Council will focus on improving major roads for walking and cycling, as well as upgrading real-time parking information systems.
* Derbyshire County Council will invest in repairing roads and works to help prevent landslips, particularly on key routes. * Nottinghamshire County Council will focus on maintaining and upgrading its roads, along with planning for future transport projects.
Funding Allocations:
* £66 million for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2 (CRSTS2): This funding will support road repairs, improvements to highways, and projects to make walking, cycling, and public transport easier.
* £21 million for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP): This funding will be used to make bus services more reliable, affordable, and accessible across the East Midlands.
* £75 million for Highways Maintenance Block: EMCCA will receive this funding, £22m of which, is extra money the region is getting because it has a Mayoral Combined Authority. This will go on road repairs in2025/26.
* £12.86 million for Integrated Transport Block Funding: EMCCA is expecting this funding to deliver activities across the local transport network.
* £7.27 million for Active Travel Fund: The region has been awarded this funding to improve walking, wheeling and cycling and infrastructure.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a huge step forward for transport in the East Midlands. We want to investing millions to build a better, more connected future for our communities. This funding w make a real difference to everyday lives, making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, whether by bus, bike, oron foot, while also tackling much-needed road repairs.
“By working closely with our local councils and partners, we will ensure every pound is spent wisely to improve transport links, reducecongestion, and support greener, more sustainable ways to travel. This is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about connecting people to opportunities, whether that’s jobs, skills training, education, orour fantastic local attractions.
“Our ambition is clear: to create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous East Midlands in the future. We want this region to be a place where people and businesses can thrive, and this funding, when approved, will be a major step toward achieving that vision.”road-bridge
11 March 2025Highway News
Cambridgeshire: Busway Timetable Changes As Congestion Hits HomeCambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator has called for more to be done to tackle congestion, after it was forced to adjust its Busway timetables to give more time for buses to get through the traffic in Cambridge.
The changes, which will come into effect from Sunday 20 April, with Busway Service B seeing minor timetable updates at peak times due to congestion in the city and Service A will now travelling to St Ives via Park Terrace instead of Gonville Place. In St Ives, it will no longer serve the Industrial Estate and will instead start and finish at the first and last stops on Marley Road. Off-peak, the frequency of the A Service to and from Marley Road will now be every 30 minutes.
For Service 5, the 5:30pm trip from Cambridge will now terminate at Longstanton.
Ross Barton (pictured), Operations Director at Stagecoach East, said: “We only ever make changes to our timetables after considering every option, but the fact is that congestion in and out of Cambridge means that our buses just cannot meet the times set on existing timetables.
“We know what an important artery the Busway is for people needing to travel into Cambridge, so I would call on everyone concerned with our local roads to continue to work together to avoid delays.
“We live and operate in a dynamic, forward-looking city, and the Busway is an essential part of that, so we need to make sure that buses are able to get through.”road-bridge
11 March 2025Highway News
Cambridgeshire Busway Set For Improved Sunday ServiceThe Cambridgeshire Busway will see an improved service from April – with buses running up to every 15 minutes.
The changes, which will come into effect from Sunday 20 April, will see Service A increase from hourly to every 15 minutes from St Ives Park and Ride to Cambridge City Centre. This improves the frequency and capacity from St Ives Park and Ride and Orchard Park to Cambridge City Centre. This will replace some journeys on Service B, which will now run hourly.
David Boden, Director of Business Development at Stagecoach East, said: “We are delighted for our loyal Busway customers that they will now be able to access a service every 15 minutes on Sundays. The Busway really is a wonderful way both to get into Cambridge and also to get out into our lovely countryside, maybe to go for a family meal or walk on a Sunday.
“The Busway runs right through some of the most beautiful countryside in our region, and is an easy and great value way to get out and about. Watching the scenery go by as you travel between Cambridge, St Ives, and Huntingdon is a wonderful way to spend time.”
Pic: Stagecoachroad-bridge
10 March 2025roads & bridges
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Issues Permit For Key Bridge RebuildThe reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge took a major step forward Wednesday as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, issued a permit for its rebuild.
The approval grants the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) the ability to move forward with replacing the bridge, which connected the Interstate 695 Beltway before its collapse last year.
The announcement comes just weeks before the one-year anniversary of the tragic March 26, 2024, incident, when the cargo ship Dali struck the bridge, causing it to fall into the Patapsco River.
Six construction workers lost their lives in the disaster.
“Less than one year after the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore District is proud to have provided fair and efficient permitting efforts to enable the construction of a new bridge,” said Col. Francis Pera, commander of the Baltimore District, in a statement.
Geotechnical investigations are ongoing, with test pile operations, pier demolition, and trestle construction set to begin this summer, according to the Army Corps.
In-water construction is expected to commence by early fall 2025. The project will also require additional permit verification from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told WTOP the estimated cost of the new bridge is nearly $2 billion, with completion expected by 2028.
Source: WTOP News, Yahoo Newsroad-bridge
10 March 2025roads & bridges
Florida Bridge Construction Delayed Until SpringConstruction on the Little Pine Island Bridge in Matlacha, Fla. has been extended into spring, state officials announced, prolonging traffic congestion and business disruptions on Pine Island.
The bridge, the only route on and off Pine Island, has been under construction since June of last year.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) originally planned to complete phase one by now, which would have reopened both lanes. However, delays have pushed the timeline back, and no exact completion date has been given.
To speed up progress, FDOT has increased construction resources and added night shifts where feasible.
“We recognize the importance of completing this project as soon as possible,” said an FDOT spokesperson to Gulf Coast News. “While every effort is being made to expedite the project, safety remains our top priority.”
Despite these efforts, traffic backups continue to frustrate residents and tourists. Local business owners, including Cindee Tolliver of Trader’s Hitching Post, have felt the financial impact.
“It’s just like a punch to the gut,” said Tolliver in a statement to Gulf Coast News. “The last time I had a December this bad was 1997.”
FDOT officials addressed concerns at a recent public meeting, promising to keep business owners informed while working to minimize disruptions. However, with no firm completion date in place, many residents and business owners remain skeptical about when relief will come.
Until then, the island community must continue navigating long commutes and economic setbacks as they await the bridge’s long-overdue completion.
Source: Gulf Coast News, B1039.comroad-bridge
07 March 2025New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
Construction Of Finland’S Biggest Bridge Sees Completion Of 135M-Tall Diamond-Form PylonConstruction on Finland’s tallest and longest bridge has reached a crucial milestone with the completion of its distinctive 135m tall diamond-form pylon.
This key structural feature is part of the Kruunusillat (Crown Bridges) scheme in Helsinki, designed by Knight Architects and engineering consultancy WSP Finland.
The 1.2km long bridge will link Helsinki’s city centre with the new island suburb of Laajasalo, a move aimed at facilitating the development of a new waterside community.
The primary feature of the main span, the Kruunuvuorensilta crossing, includes a slender 135m diamond-shaped pylon that supports two cable-stayed spans, each measuring 250m in length.
The pylon's diamond-shaped design not only serves a structural purpose but also pays homage to the historical crown ownership of the Helsinki bay area
Currently, cables are being affixed to the pylon, after which the temporary supports will be removed.
The diamond-shaped design not only serves a structural purpose but also pays homage to the historical crown ownership of the Helsinki bay area, and it is anticipated to become a recognisable symbol of the city. Upon completion, it will stand as the tallest bridge structure in Finland.
In a notable departure from traditional bridge designs, the Kruunusillat project will be car-free, instead supporting a new light rail line that will enhance connectivity to Helsinki’s tram network, as well as providing pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.
This initiative aligns with Helsinki’s broader sustainability goals, which include a vision to become a car-free city by 2030. Around £1bn worth or expansions to its tram network are in different stages of development.
The bridge will be car-free, instead supporting a new light rail line and providing pathways for cyclists and pedestrians
The Laajasalo area is being master-planned as a largely car-free community to encourage sustainable public transport and active mobility.
Knight Architects and WSP Finland were awarded the project after winning an international design competition in 2013. Construction began in late 2021, and the project is set for completion later this year.
Construction started in 2021 and is expected to be completed this year
Knight Architects director Tom Osborne said: “We have been working on Kruunusillat for over a decade, so it’s fantastic to have reached this critical milestone in its delivery. The distinctive diamond now provides Helsinki with an instantly recognisable addition to its skyline, that we hope soon comes to symbolise not only the identity of this wonderful city, but it’s continued efforts to shift to sustainable transport modes.
“At Knight Architects, we strive to design bridges that do much more than just connect A to B. We aim to create beautiful structures that respect and enhance their environment and generate lasting value, and Kruunusillat is a great example of that approach in action.”
All photos by Aarni Salomaa and provided by Knight Architects
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07 March 2025