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05 October 2025road-bridge
Oct 05, 2025
The Border Roads Organisation created history once again by completing construction of the world’s highest motorable road at 19,400 feet at Mig La Pass, surpassing its own previous world record.
Earlier, the world’s highest motorable road was known to be Umling La, at 19,024 feet. The Mig la pass, constructed by project Himank, holds immense strategic significance as the third vital axis from Hanle to Fukche, while also helping boost tourism.
Border Roads Organisation #BRO has once again created history as Project Himank constructed the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass (19,400 ft) in #Ladakh, surpassing its own Guinness World Record set at Umling La (19,024 ft)”, the Indian Army posted on X.
Earlier, a BRO team also unfurled the tricolour at the peak of the pass.The newly built Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road holds immense strategic significance as the third vital axis from Hanle to Fukche, while also boosting tourism in Ladakh and upliftment of India’s First Villages.
A shining testament to the indomitable spirit, engineering excellence & unwavering dedication of the BRO in Nation Building. Umling La Pass, which held the record previously, is also located in Ladakh at an altitude of 19,024 feet. The road was constructed at an altitude higher than the Mount Everest base camps – the south base camp in Nepal is at an altitude of 17,598 feet, while the north base camp in Tibet is at 16,900 feet.
Meanwhile, the whole Hanle-Chumar road in Ladakh is now open to the public, marking a significant milestone in strategic infrastructure development.This 91 km road, constructed by Project Himank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), connects Hanle to the border village of Chumar, traversing extreme altitudes between 14,500 and 17,200 feet, including the challenging Salsa La Pass.
In a post on social media X, ADG PI said that the Hanle-Chumar road will enhance connectivity for the Armed Forces along the borders, boosting operational readiness, facilitating access to attractions like Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri, and promoting local tourism.”
The road, while providing strategic connectivity for the Armed Forces along the borders, will also facilitate local connectivity and tourism in the region by connecting attractions including Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake and onward to Tso Moriri,” the post read.
The road’s opening is anticipated to invigorate the local tourism industry, providing easier access to Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural sites and is expected to drive socio-economic development in Ladakh’s remote areas.
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Punjab Upgrades 149 Km Of Roads In Sunam At Rs 401 MillionAddressing gatherings in the villages of Shahpur Kalan, Longowal, Mander Kalan, Ubhawal, and Eilwal, Arora announced that the 48 roads under this project will be completed within the next seven to eight months. For the first time, contractors will also be responsible for maintenance of these rural roads for five years post-construction, ensuring sustained quality and accountability.
Arora emphasised that no compromises will be made on construction standards, and urged residents to actively monitor progress to ensure the works are carried out to their satisfaction.
Reflecting on the achievements of the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, Arora said the administration had made comprehensive development its core mission over the last three and a half years, focusing on healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“The people of Punjab voted for progress, and we are working tirelessly to deliver on that promise with sincerity and results, not rhetoric,” he said, adding that past administrations had slowed Punjab’s growth through misguided policies.
Arora noted that the villagers’ long-standing demand for better connectivity was finally being fulfilled under the current government. “Projects left incomplete for 75 years are now being prioritised and executed,” he remarked, pledging to complete all pending works within a year.
Drawing inspiration from his father, Babu Bhagwan Das, Arora said, “My father taught me that politics is not about showmanship, but about meaningful work.” He reaffirmed his commitment to serving Sunam with transparency and dedication, stating that better infrastructure would accelerate economic and social development in the region.
Congratulating residents on the launch, the minister also expressed confidence in the Aam Aadmi Party’s performance in the upcoming Tarn Taran by-election, predicting a decisive victory for the party’s candidate.
The inauguration event was attended by Avtar Singh Eilwal, Chairman of the Sangrur Market Committee, Parminder Kaur Brar, President of the Longowal Municipal Council, along with sarpanches, panches, AAP workers, and hundreds of local residents.
Construction World
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11 October 20252 min readPunjab Upgrades 149 Km Of Roads In Sunam At Rs 401 Million
Construction World
11 October 2025
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Bro Breaks Its Own Record, Builds World’S Highest Motorable Road At 19,400 Ft In LadakhThe Border Roads Organisation created history once again by completing construction of the world’s highest motorable road at 19,400 feet at Mig La Pass, surpassing its own previous world record.
Earlier, the world’s highest motorable road was known to be Umling La, at 19,024 feet. The Mig la pass, constructed by project Himank, holds immense strategic significance as the third vital axis from Hanle to Fukche, while also helping boost tourism.
Border Roads Organisation #BRO has once again created history as Project Himank constructed the world’s highest motorable road at Mig La Pass (19,400 ft) in #Ladakh, surpassing its own Guinness World Record set at Umling La (19,024 ft)”, the Indian Army posted on X.
Earlier, a BRO team also unfurled the tricolour at the peak of the pass.The newly built Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road holds immense strategic significance as the third vital axis from Hanle to Fukche, while also boosting tourism in Ladakh and upliftment of India’s First Villages.
A shining testament to the indomitable spirit, engineering excellence & unwavering dedication of the BRO in Nation Building. Umling La Pass, which held the record previously, is also located in Ladakh at an altitude of 19,024 feet. The road was constructed at an altitude higher than the Mount Everest base camps – the south base camp in Nepal is at an altitude of 17,598 feet, while the north base camp in Tibet is at 16,900 feet.
Meanwhile, the whole Hanle-Chumar road in Ladakh is now open to the public, marking a significant milestone in strategic infrastructure development.This 91 km road, constructed by Project Himank of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), connects Hanle to the border village of Chumar, traversing extreme altitudes between 14,500 and 17,200 feet, including the challenging Salsa La Pass.
In a post on social media X, ADG PI said that the Hanle-Chumar road will enhance connectivity for the Armed Forces along the borders, boosting operational readiness, facilitating access to attractions like Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake, and Tso Moriri, and promoting local tourism.”
The road, while providing strategic connectivity for the Armed Forces along the borders, will also facilitate local connectivity and tourism in the region by connecting attractions including Hanle Observatory, Kyun Tso Lake, Chilling Tso Lake and onward to Tso Moriri,” the post read.
The road’s opening is anticipated to invigorate the local tourism industry, providing easier access to Ladakh’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural sites and is expected to drive socio-economic development in Ladakh’s remote areas.
financial express
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05 October 20253 min readBro Breaks Its Own Record, Builds World’S Highest Motorable Road At 19,400 Ft In Ladakh
financial express
05 October 2025
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Pmrda To Widen 50-Km Road Along Metro For Rs 6.28 BnThe Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) will spend Rs 6.28 billion to widen an existing four-lane stretch into a six-lane, 50-km cement concrete road running parallel to the upcoming Hinjewadi–Shivajinagar Metro Line 3. The project aims to enhance connectivity, improve traffic flow, and complement Pune’s metro infrastructure.
According to PMRDA officials, the project will cover 25 km in each direction along the elevated Metro line. It includes four-lane carriageways, parking lanes, bus bays, lay-bys, utility ducts, upgraded pedestrian facilities, cycle tracks, and landscaped medians. Utility shifting, beautification, and electrification work are also part of the plan.
A senior PMRDA engineering official said, “We will widen the remaining four-lane stretches to six lanes, requiring land acquisition. A consultant will be appointed for planning, surveys, design, reporting, and to oversee construction and post-construction work.”
The cost estimate includes potential land acquisition and may be revised following the consultant’s study. Trees along the route will either be cut or transplanted as required. The tender for the project was issued on September 25, 2025.
The project is expected to significantly enhance road and metro integration, providing safer and smoother travel for commuters and supporting Pune’s urban mobility goals.
News source: Hindustan Times
Construction World
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02 October 20251 min readPmrda To Widen 50-Km Road Along Metro For Rs 6.28 Bn
Construction World
02 October 2025
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£134M Melton Mowbray Distributor Road Marks Completion Of All 6 New RoundaboutsWork on Melton Mowbray’s new bypass reached a key milestone this week with the opening of the final two roundabouts on the 7.2km distributor road.
Leicestershire County Council said the A606 Nottingham Road and B676 Saxby Road junctions were completed at the weekend and associated road closures have been lifted, leaving all six roundabouts along the route open to motorists. The road, being built by Galliford Try, is the county council’s largest-ever highways project with a reported budget of £134M.
When finished, the distributor will run from the A606 Nottingham Road near St Bartholomew’s Way in the north, curve round the east of Melton Mowbray and rejoin the A606 near Burton Lazars. The route is intended to allow through traffic to bypass the town centre, easing congestion along existing town streets.
Overview of Melton Mowbray distributor road scheme
Construction began with preparatory work early in 2023 and main construction started in May that year. The county council says the scheme is progressing well and is on track to open to traffic in spring 2026. Some temporary traffic‑calming measures currently remain in place while finishing works are completed.
Planners say the road will provide improved access to new housing sites, local attractions such as Twinlakes Park, John Ferneley College and surrounding villages and include provisions for safer walking and cycling. The distributor is part of a wider strategy by the council to unlock housing and economic development in Melton Mowbray that has been constrained by traffic issues.
As the scheme nears completion, local residents will be invited to suggest a name for the new road, details of which are due to be announced later in the year.
Supporters of the project point to reduced town‑centre congestion and improved road safety as likely benefits. Critics have previously raised concerns on environmental impact and the effect of new road capacity on traffic levels; such considerations form part of the ongoing public debate about how best to balance development, transport and conservation in and around Melton.
With the final roundabouts in place, attention will turn to the remaining construction phases and the council’s measures to tie the new route into existing local roads and active‑travel networks before full opening next spring.
Leicestershire County Council lead member for roads and transport Charles Whitford said: “The completion of these final roundabouts is a major milestone and I’m proud to see this large-scale county council project reach its final stages.
“We look forward to early 2026, when the road opens fully to motorists.
“I’d like to thank local residents for bearing with us during road closures which were necessary to complete the project safely.”
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01 October 20253 min read£134M Melton Mowbray Distributor Road Marks Completion Of All 6 New Roundabouts
New Civil Engineer (Road)
01 October 2025
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Early Works Contractor Appointed For $128M Road ProjectPenrith City Council has appointed a contractor to deliver preliminary works on the proposed upgrade of Dunheved Road in Sydney.
Georgiou Group will carry out the early works phase that will run for six to nine months. These works will help to prepare the site for the main construction phase and will consist of the completion of the final civic design ,security utility approvals and investigations, site and geotechnical investigations, detailed traffic management planning, as well as sewer and drainage works.
Dunheved Road is one of the busiest road corridors in Penrith.
The proposed upgrade of Dunheved Road will look to reduce congestion, improve capacity and enhance safety along a four-kilometre section, between Richmond Road and the Christie Street/Werrington Road intersection.
Related stories:
A new median separated, four-lane carriageway and shared user footpath will be situated along the four-kilometre corridor. An upgraded signalised intersection with dual left turn lanes into Richmond Road will also be delivered.
Additionally, several other signalised intersections will be delivered at Greenbank Drive (west and east), Lavin Crescent, Henry Lawson Avenue, and John Batman Avenue.
A new two lane eastbound bridge across Werrington Creek and new shared path bridge will also form part of the project.
The Federal Government has committed $128 million to upgrade Dunheved Road through the Infrastructure Investment Program.
Roads & Infrastructure
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01 October 20252 min readEarly Works Contractor Appointed For $128M Road Project
Roads & Infrastructure
01 October 2025
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$128M Bridge Program To Strengthen Transport InfrastructureJoint funding from the Federal and State governments will aim to strengthen bridges across Victoria, boosting road network capacity and improving efficiency for freight operators and farmers.
The jointly funded program of works will allow heavier loads to move more efficiently, while also preparing the network for the future as part of Victoria’s High-Productivity Freight Vehicle Network.
In Geelong, four bridges on Corio Quay Road are being upgraded, supporting Geelong Port to continue to function as one of Victoria’s main grain export shipping hubs.
Along the Great Ocean Road, bridges at Skenes Creek and Wye River will be upgraded, along with two structures on Lavers Hill-Cobden Road.
Related stories:
Later this year, projects on the Princes Highway west will begin at Allansford, Dennington, Weerite, Narrawong, Yambuk and Dartmoor, improving key routes that support wind-farm and plantation timber businesses.
In Gippsland, the Bunyip River Princes Highway Bridge westbound at Longwarry North has been upgraded, with strengthening works on the Nerrena Road Leongatha Tarwin River Bridge almost complete.
Along the Hume Freeway the Wodonga Creek and Pranjip Creek Longwood upgrades are also nearing completion.
Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said, “Stronger bridges mean a stronger freight network – allowing operators to carry more, more efficiently, and avoid costly detours.”
Works wil be delivered thanks to a joint investment by the Federal and State governments of more than $128 million, with the former committing a total of $56.6 million to the projects.
Roads & Infrastructure
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30 September 20252 min read$128M Bridge Program To Strengthen Transport Infrastructure
Roads & Infrastructure
30 September 2025
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$976M Road Maintenance Blitz Underway In VicThe Victorian Government has commenced works in Kyneton, that form part of the $976 million road maintenance blitz, the largest single year investment in road maintenance in the state’s history.
Over the next nine months, crews will complete thousands of projects on the state’s network, ranging from road rehabilitation and resurfacing, patching potholes and maintaining bridges, to installing traffic lights and signage.
The blitz will target the state’s busiest travel and trade routes. Major maintenance projects will be delivered as part of the funding, with 70 per cent of all funding going towards regional roads.
The key roads across regional Victoria that will be targeted through this massive program of works include the Western Highway, Princes Highway East, Princes Highway West, Hume Highway and Calder Highway.
Related stories:
Other works will include upgrades to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Leakes Road, Normanby Road, the Warburton Highway and Boronia Road.
Flora upkeep, general roadside maintenance, as well as inspections will also be delivered as part of the program. Traffic lights and electric signs will also be fixed.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the much-needed upgrades would help to support the delivery of road maintenance, while also supporting local jobs.
“We’re investing nearly a billion dollars to rebuild and repair the roads that Victorians depend on every single day – from the highways connecting our major centres to the local roads that keep our communities moving,” Horne said.
Roads & Infrastructure
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26 September 20252 min read$976M Road Maintenance Blitz Underway In Vic
Roads & Infrastructure
26 September 2025
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£168M Grantham Southern Relief Road Opening Delayed Again As Bridge Woes Drag OnThe opening of the Grantham Southern Relief Road (GSRR) in Lincolnshire has been pushed to late 2027 at the earliest as issues relating to installation of a new bridge on the project are dragging on.
Lincolnshire County Council’s GSRR is a new 3.5km road between the A52 and the A1 being intended to reduce congestion and provide growth opportunities. It is being delivered in three phases, with the first two having been completed in 2016 and 20222 respectively. The third phase, designed by WSP and being delivered by Galliford Try, was expected to complete this year but has hit a significant issue with a new bridge that will cross the East Coast Main Line and the River Witham.
Overview of Grantham Southern Relief Road (phase 3 in pink)
In February this year, the council revealed that the project had encountered issues relating to the installation of the 293m long, 2,500t span. The devised method for pushing it into place over the railway and river was found to be unusable due to “concerns relating to specific wind conditions”, according to then Lincolnshire County Council executive member for highways Richard Davies. This was expected to delay the road opening into 2026 and push the cost of the project up by £10-20M.
In an update from the middle of August, new Lincolnshire County Council executive member for highways Michael Cheyne said that a new temporary guiding structure for the bridge was set to arrive imminently and would be attached to the front of the bridge “over the coming months”.
However, a council spokesperson has now confirmed to NCE that the guiding structure has not yet arrived and is instead expected in October. Additionally, its cost is “not yet agreed”, according to the council spokesperson.
The guiding structure is a tubular steel truss that will be attached to the front of the bridge deck to aid in its movement into place. This movement can start “once all of the project’s suppliers can agree the finer details of the launch system”, Cheyne said in August.
The council spokesperson told NCE that once the guiding structure is attached, the “current estimate” is that the operation of moving the bridge into place is expected to take “six months, subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances”.
The method for moving the bridge into place was found to be unusable do to concerns relating to wind conditions
In his August update, Cheyne said: “I can say with confidence that, once the bridge push does start, it will be approximately two years until the road can open. Please rest assured that I’ll be doing everything in my power to ensure this project doesn’t slip any further.”
With an absolute best-case scenario being that the bridge push commences in October – which would require the guiding structure to be attached to the bridge within weeks, rather than months – this means that the opening of the GCRR will be late 2027 at the earliest.
Explaining why it will require a further two years to complete the project, the council spokesperson told NCE: “There is still work to do once the relief road’s bridge is in situ, including building the rest of the bridge structure east side of site which will involve lifting new steel beams into place. Following that, the bridge decks will need to be concreted, safety barriers installed, road surfacing laid, and embankment works carried out on the western lead up to the bridge.”
When the bridge delay was first revealed earlier this year, Lincolnshire County Council said it was pursuing contractual and legal processes for compensation for the errors and time lost on the project.
It has now doubled down on this, confirming: “The county council is still in the process of pursuing contractual and legal processes with a view to holding those responsible for the design error to account and recovering taxpayer money.”
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24 September 20254 min read£168M Grantham Southern Relief Road Opening Delayed Again As Bridge Woes Drag On
New Civil Engineer (Road)
24 September 2025
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Maharashtra Approves 25Km Elevated Road To Navi Mumbai AirportThe Maharashtra cabinet recently approved the construction of a 25-kilometre elevated road connecting Thane to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Alongside this project, the cabinet also cleared extensions to the Pune and Nagpur Metro lines, new stations in Pune, and plans for an international business hub in Nagpur. Several policies concerning energy and tribal development were also passed during the meeting.
The Thane–NMIA Elevated Road
The six-lane elevated road, stretching 25 kilometres, will connect Thane and Mira-Bhayander to the airport. Built at an estimated cost of Rs 6.43 billion by the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO), the road will feature six interchanges and is expected to cut travel time from 90 minutes to 30 minutes, offering faster access and reducing congestion on existing routes.
The Atal Setu
The Atal Setu, also known as the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), is a key infrastructure project connecting Mumbai to Navi Mumbai by spanning approximately 22 kilometres across the Mumbai Harbour. The route starts from Sewri in South Mumbai and stretches eastward over the sea to Nhava in Navi Mumbai.
The sea bridge eases congestion on the Vashi and Airoli bridges and facilitates quicker access to major areas of Navi Mumbai, including NMIA, via connecting roads and highways. It plays a vital role in improving connectivity between Mumbai’s island city and the expanding satellite city.
As of January 2025, a concessional toll of Rs 250 is applicable for four-wheelers on the Atal Setu for both one-way and return journeys. A return toll of Rs 125 applies if the return trip is completed within 12 hours. Electric vehicles, including electric cars and buses, are exempt from toll charges on the Atal Setu for the next five years as part of Maharashtra’s sustainable transport initiative.
Thane–NMIA Elevated Road: Toll Rate
The newly approved elevated road is expected to ease access to NMIA, with a one-way toll of Rs 365, according to reports. The airport is projected to handle 2 million passengers annually in its initial phase and up to 9 million by 2038. Authorities believe that saving travel time and reducing congestion will benefit millions of commuters over the long term, despite the higher toll cost.
Beyond providing convenience to travellers, the elevated road is expected to support economic growth in the region. Enhanced airport connectivity is likely to attract businesses, boost real estate development, and generate new job opportunities.
Construction World
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13 September 20253 min readMaharashtra Approves 25Km Elevated Road To Navi Mumbai Airport
Construction World
13 September 2025
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Suffolk: Drivers Face 35-Mile Diversion While Ipswich Road Closed In HadleighDrivers look set to face a 35-mile (56km) (long diversion while a major route is closed once again this month.
Suffolk Highways will carry out essential work on the A1071 Ipswich Road between Hadleigh and Hintlesham from Monda 8 September until Saturday 13 September 13, reports the East Anglia Daily Times. The road will be closed overnight between 7pm and 5am to minimise disruption as the route connects Hadleigh to Ipswich.
During this time, the road will be closed to ensure the safety of drivers and workers.
While the road is closed, a 30-mile diversion route will be in place.
(Pic: Yay Images)
Highway News
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05 September 20251 min readSuffolk: Drivers Face 35-Mile Diversion While Ipswich Road Closed In Hadleigh
Highway News
05 September 2025
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Regional Road Maintenance Fund Boosted To $1.25BThe NSW Government has fast-tracked $155 million for a regional pothole and road repair blitz, bringing total road maintenance funding in the regions to $1.25 billion for this financial year.
This investment will deliver safer roads, from Broken Hill to Bega, ensuring that regional communities get their fair share of road maintenance investment.
The $155 million has been brought forward to 2025-26 to prioritise renewal projects, including key corridors that have been under significant pressure due to unprecedented weather. Projects include:
Maintenance crews have clocked nearly four million hours of work in the past 12 months undertaking work including:
Some 150 new permanent staff members have been hired, taking Transport for NSW’s locally-based regional maintenance team to more than 2,000 workers. Another 75 regionally-based apprentices and trainees will start in 2026.
The NSW Government continues investing in regional road infrastructure to build a stronger, more resilient network for NSW communities. This builds on reforms to:
Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said that regional and rural communities deserve their fair share of investment and upgrades to local roads.
“This announcement is about getting money out the door and boots on the ground sooner rather than later.
“Following droughts, bushfires and floods we are hearing loud and clear that there needs to be more done to repair damaged roads and keep communities connected in the wake of natural disasters.
“We’ve made a start, but we know there’s still more to do and that’s what this accelerated funding will help deliver.”
NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said that the people and businesses of NSW rely on the road network, and that she is incredibly proud of the road warriors at Transport for NSW.
“Long after storms or bushfires pass, recovery continues for our teams. Whether plugging potholes or undertaking massive multi-year infrastructure rebuilds, the work never ends,” Minister Aitchison said.
“I want to thank all our frontline road recovery and maintenance crews. Their nearly four million hours of work is an investment in the future of NSW to ensure a safe, strong and reliable network for motorists, commuters and freight operators.”
NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said, “Most of the road crews are locals making a critical difference to ensure reliable, safe roads for anyone living, working or travelling in regional NSW.”
NSW Country Mayors Association Chair, Cr Rick Firman, thanked Minister Aitchison for this significant further investment in regional, remote and rural communities.
“Obviously our local citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries of our government’s decision to prioritise the road network in the bush, which is effectively our lifeblood.”
Infrastructure Magazine
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29 August 20253 min readRegional Road Maintenance Fund Boosted To $1.25B
Infrastructure Magazine
29 August 2025
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Italy Greenlights A $15.5 Billion Project To Build Bridge Linking Sicily To The MainlandMILAN — A long-delayed and debated bridge linking the Italian mainland with Sicily cleared a major hurdle Wednesday, allowing work to begin on what would be the world’s longest suspension bridge, despite concerns over earthquakes, environmental impacts and the threat of mafia interference.
An interministerial committee with oversight of strategic public investments approved the 13.5 billion euro ($15.5 billion) project, the Transport Ministry said in a statement. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said the project will be “an accelerator for development” in southern Italy.
Preliminary work could begin later this summer with construction expected to start next year.
The Strait of Messina Bridge has been approved and canceled multiple times since the Italian government first solicited proposals in 1969, and was most recently revived by Premier Giorgia Meloni’s administration in 2023. The notion of constructing a link between Sicily and the mainland dates back to ancient Rome.
The decision marks a political victory for Salvini, who has made the realization of the bridge a hallmark of his tenure, saying it would be “a revolution” for southern Italy by bringing jobs and economic growth.
The Strait of Messina Bridge would measure nearly 3.7 kilometers, with the suspended span reaching 3.3 kilometers (more than two miles), surpassing Canakkale Bridge in Turkey, currently the longest, by 1,277 meters (4,189 feet). With four lanes of traffic flanked by a double-track railway, the bridge would have the capacity to carry 6,000 cars an hour and 200 trains a day.
The project could provide a boost to Italy’s commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP targeted by NATO, as the government has indicated it would classify the bridge as defense-related, helping it to meet a 1.5% security component. Italy argues that the bridge would form a strategic corridor for rapid troop movements and equipment deployment to NATO’s southern flanks, qualifying it as a “security-enhancing infrastructure.”
A group of more than 600 professors and researchers signed a letter earlier this summer opposing the military classification, noting that such a move would require additional assessments to see if it could withstand military use. Opponents also say the designation would potentially make the bridge a target.
Environmental groups have lodged additional complaints with the EU, citing concerns that the project will impact migratory birds, noting that environmental studies had not demonstrated that the project is a public imperative and that any environmental damage would be offset.
The original government decree reactivating the bridge project included language giving the Interior Ministry control over anti-mafia measures. But Italy’s president insisted that the project remain subject to anti-mafia legislation that applies to all large-scale infrastructure projects in Italy out of concerns that the ad-hoc arrangement would weaken controls.
The project has been awarded to a consortium led by WeBuild, an Italian infrastructure group, which initially won the bid to build the bridge in 2006 before the project was canceled in 2013. WeBuild constructed the Canakkale Bridge, which is currently the longest suspension bridge at 2 kilometers and 23 meters (about a mile and a quarter).
The Canakkale Bridge, which opened in 2022, was built using the engineering model originally devised for the Messina Bridge, with a wing profile and a deck shape that resembles a fighter jet fuselage with openings to allow wind to pass through the structure, according to WeBuild.
Addressing concerns about building the bridge over the Messina fault, which triggered a deadly quake in 1908, WeBuild has emphasized that suspension bridges are structurally less vulnerable to seismic forces. It noted that such bridges have been built in seismically active areas, including Japan. Turkey and California.
WeBuild CEO Pietro Salini told investors this month that the Messina Bridge “will be a game-changer for Italy.”
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Daily Commercial News
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07 August 20254 min readItaly Greenlights A $15.5 Billion Project To Build Bridge Linking Sicily To The Mainland
Daily Commercial News
07 August 2025
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