Newsroad-bridgeChina: 7.6Km Sea Bridge Open To Traffic
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Dec 30, 2024China: 7.6Km Sea Bridge Open To Traffic
A 7.6km suspension bridge in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China near the border with Vietnam opened to traffic on Sunday.
Longmen Bridge, Qinzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Credit: Xinhua
The red towers of Longmen Bridge. Credit: Xinhua
Approaching Longmen Bridge. Credit: Xinhua
Longmen Bridge carries six lanes of traffic at speeds of up to 100km per hour. It is the longest sea bridge in the region. Longmen Bridge will reduce the travel time between Qinzhou Port and Fangchenggang Port from 90 minutes to 25 minutes.
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Highway News
Borrowing Boost Of £120M For Welsh Local Councils To Fix RoadsLocal councils in Wales will soon be able to access up to £120m to repair more local roads over the next two years, under new plans set out in the Welsh Government’s Final Budget 2025-26.
The new local government borrowing initiative will provide an extra £10m of revenue funding to local councils to enable them to unlock an additional £120m of capital funding to accelerate the process of fixing our local roads and pavements.
The scheme will be designed in close partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and will be open for applications by the end of this financial year.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said:
“I am delighted that we are able to help local councils access the necessary funding to enable them to accelerate some of the much-needed repair work on local roads across Wales.
“Connecting our communities by fixing our roads is a key priority for us and we will continue to do all that we can to improve the future resilience of roads across Wales.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of WLGA and transport spokesperson said:
“I have been working closely with the Welsh Government on this initiative over recent months and I am really pleased to see it come to fruition. A previous initiative between 2012 and 2014 was highly successful and showed what can be achieved by councils when the right level of funding is available.
“This funding will enable significant improvements to roads, pavements and bridges across Wales.”
Last month Mr Skates also announced a funding boost of £25m to renew an extra 100km of Wales’ major roads and prevent around 30,000 road defects and potholes in the new financial year.road-bridge
06 March 2025
Highway News
Brightly Column: Uk Councils – Optimising The Management Of BridgesBridges are a key part of the UK’s highways and transport system that facilitate connectivity and the transit of communities while keeping them safe, says Nicola Casburn, Solutions Consultant at Brightly Software.
“Currently, it is becoming increasingly difficult for UK councils to manage their bridges because they have less resources to hand. Indeed, local authorities are effectively managing their entire asset networks with shrinking budgets.
In addition, there is a current skills shortage of highly trained engineers that are required to maintain the complexities of bridges and structures. This skills gap is being plugged with contractors – many of whom use their own systems to record the findings of inspections, leading to siloed data across diverse systems.Other challenges faced by UK Councils managing bridges include: ageing infrastructure, as many bridges were constructed decades ago and require ongoing monitoring to maintain their strength and safety structurally; budget constraints, as limited funding requires prioritisation for the maintenance of tasks, which can lead to deferred repairs and increased costs in the long run; the impact of climate change, as flooding, extreme temperatures and erosion pose growing threats to bridges’ stability; and a lack of a centralised data, which makes long-term planning difficult.”Leverage technology for smarter asset managementBy using digital tools, such as Brightly’s software offering, UK councils can rely on data-driven decisions to help them prioritise critical works, mitigate risks, carry out proactive maintenance and promote the longevity of their assets, including bridges.Our digital asset management tool, Confirm, is a user-friendly and robust system that supports smart management to facilitate local authorities’ service improvements. It centralises assets to simplify and streamline the processes involved with managing them.For the management of bridges, Confirm enables inspections to be undertaken according to industry guidance, in a consistent manner, and inspection results can be recorded on-site via the intuitive mobile app. Confirm also supports data analytics; for example, it is able to report on BCI (Bridge Condition Index) condition scores, as well as capture data required for Structures Asset Valuation and Investment toolkit (SAVI) analyses. The intuitive system is also able to manage and prioritise a workbank of maintenance activities that have beenidentified.In addition, the cutting-edge solution continually and intuitively scrutinises information that’s entered; handles complex analytics, and flags inefficiencies to avoid duplication of tasks or spending. The intuitive system generates data and reports, highlighting the presence of all assets in a given area, to enable works to be better planned and prioritised depending on the status of any given asset.
It also facilitates preventative maintenance, helping its users to operate more cost efficiently in the long run.Although the network of assets supporting UK roads is vast – from bridges and gantries, carriageways and footways, drainage and streetlights, traffic signals and retaining walls – with more detail and understanding of asset behaviours, local authorities can start to proactively manage maintenance schedules based on historical trends. Brightly’s digital tools can help them to achieve this.
Ultimately, Confirm enables councils to manage their bridges’ assets, as well as highways assets, in a single system, allowing for greater resilience, coordination and decision making.”
Learn more about Brightly Software’s digital solutions here.
Pic: Wirestockroad-bridge
06 March 2025
Highway News
Midlands Leaders Call For Major Road Scheme Green LightMidlands Connect and five Midlands Council leaders are urging the kick-start of a key transport scheme linking the M54 and M6 motorways.
Plans involve the construction of a new road connecting Junction 1 of the M54 to Junction 11 of the M6 and in a letter addressed to the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, Telford & Wrekin Council, Staffordshire County Council, City of Stoke-on-Trent Council, South Staffordshire Council and Shropshire Council, along with Midlands Connect, have collectively urged the transport secretary to visit the area and see first-hand the potential benefits this project could deliver.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council said: “This proposal has been milling around since 2014. It’s time for action; approvals are in place and major work has already started on site. We know we can reply on a swift decision from government to make this scheme a priority in its spending review.
“Our partnership shows unwavering support for the project that even government-owned National Highways has said; ‘Will deliver economic growth, journey time savings and offers the best value for money to taxpayers.’ We invite the transport secretary to visit so we can facilitate a speedy decision and unlock the obvious benefits for the Midlands.”
According to Midlands Connect, a new direct connection would remove over a million cars and lorries from local roads, improve connectivity, reduce congestion and emissions by diverting trucks from urban A-roads, and support long-term regional investment.road-bridge
06 March 2025
Highway News
National Highways Opens Up New Road In Cornwall As Part Of Major Dualling SchemeA section of the old A30 in Cornwall has this week reopened as the new B3288, providing improved connectivity for local communities.
Since opening the new dual carriageway last June as part of the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross road upgrade, National Highways and principal contractors Costain have been continuing ancillary work, such as local road connections, landscaping, hedging and planting along the 8.7-mile route.
As part of that programme, work on the old A30 near Zelah was completed over the weekend, with the new B3288 opened to traffic on Sunday night between Chybucca and Boxheater.
Finishing work, including the completion of a multi-species tunnel, has now started on the old A30 between Boxheater and Carland Cross, before that section reopens as the new B3285.
The closure was installed on Monday to enable work on this section, and the newly numbered road is scheduled to be reopened in early April.
During the full closure, traffic can access the A30 via the B3285, A3075 and A3076 and in the meantime National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys.
Andrew Alcorn, National Highways’ Programme Manager for the A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross scheme, said: “Opening the new dual carriageway has made a significant and positive difference to people’s journey times and opening the new B3288 section will also be good news for the village of Zelah and residents and businesses in that area.
“We’re progressing a significant amount of ancillary work, including planting, hedging and landscaping, and while we progress towards completion in early summer, we thank people in advance for their co-operation and patience.”
Pic: National Highwaysroad-bridge
06 March 2025
Highway News
£14.4 Billion Worth Of Damage: Careco Call For Safer Roads To Ensure Mobility Scooter SafetyMobility retailer CareCo has launched a campaign to showcase the dangers faced by everyday mobility scooter users on roads and pavements.
Contrary to popular belief, mobility scooters are allowed on pavements and roads, depending on what sort of scooter it is. There are different classes of mobility scooter, class 2 can drive on the pavement, and class 3 can drive on both the road and the pavement, but class 3 scooters are restricted to 8mph on the road and 4mph on the pavement.
The UK is estimated to have over 1 million potholes and an estimated 250,00-300,000 mobility scooters on the road according to the department for transport. The damage caused by potholes in England alone is an estimated £14.4 billion, but this doesn’t consider the risks to those who use mobility scooters.
According to recent road casualty data:
If a mobility scooter was to hit a pothole on the road, then it can cause damage to tyres, including punctures, but it could also cause an accident as riders could lose stability and veer into traffic which is dangerous for all road users.
Obstructed pavements are also dangerous for those using mobility scooters, as well as parents with prams and other pedestrians. Hazards such as parking on the pavement, are dangerous to mobility scooter users because it means that they cannot move freely across to where they need to go. Parking on the pavement can also land drivers with fines of up to £100 in some areas.
Will Harrison, CareCo founder, says, “The dangers of potholes to drivers are well documented, but the dangers to mobility scooters aren’t spoken about enough. Those who need mobility scooters are often more vulnerable members of society and can often be left in even more vulnerable situations through poor road maintenance, or carelessness of other drivers.
We want to raise awareness of the unseen dangers that mobility scooter users face every day. Potholes can cause significant damage to mobility scooters and put users in potentially dangerous situations, and obstructions on the pavement can also lead to mobility scooter users having to put themselves in potentially very dangerous situations by needing to use the road to pass.”
Pic: Trent Universityroad-bridge
06 March 2025
Highway News
Nottinghamshire Will Get Extra £4.5 Million For Damaged Roads RepairNottinghamshire will get an extra £4.5 million for repairs to its damaged roads from the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
The EMCCA met recently to discuss funding and investment into major projects across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The committee meeting discussed how much money the area will be getting to fund road repairs following doubt about how much extra funding would be received. In December 2024, more than £75 million in government funding was announced for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to hand out to member councils for road repairs for the 2025/26 financial year.
The EMCCA meeting confirmed Nottinghamshire County Council will be getting £29,480,000 from the combined authority towards road maintenance for the 2025/26 financial year – around a £4.5 million increase on the council’s current road funding.
The authority has already invested £66 million in road repairs this financial year, such as resurfacing, pothole repairs and gully cleaning.
This is not the only increase in funding the county has seen for its damaged roads. The county council earlier announced on February 6 an extra £3.3 million was going to be directly funnelled into repairing the county’s roads.
The extra cash came from the council receiving more in its final settlement from government than was originally expected. EMCCA’s investment committee also read yesterday that the County Council will be receiving nearly £4 million in funding for smaller transport schemes and a share of just over £21 million for bus stop improvements from the combined authority for 2025/26.
Back in October 2023, the previous Conservative Government announced £1.5 billion in transport funding for the new EMCCA Mayor – Labour’s Claire Ward.
pic-RACroad-bridge
05 March 2025
Highway News
Wirral Council Planning To Spend More Than £7M Fixing Roads And Bridges Across The Borough From AprilWirral Council is expected to approve a plan for highway maintenance at an environment, climate emergency, and transport committee this week.
The funding for the road maintenance comes from a number of grants; Highways Maintenance funding, Bridge Maintenance funding, Key Route Network funding, and Pothole funding.
A grand total of £7,084,835 is expected to be spent on highways, footways, and bridges following additional pothole funding of £1.7m. £160,000 will be spent on Duke Street bridge and the council has produced a list of roads it believes most urgently need work.
A report before elected members said, “The highway network is continuing to deteriorate. Hence, without an effective structural maintenance programme targeted towards the highest priority locations, the network will deteriorate further.
“In such circumstances, the asset value will decrease and the costs of carrying out more significant maintenance interventions at a later date will be disproportionately higher.”
PIC-WIRRAL CCroad-bridge
05 March 2025
New Civil Engineer (Road)
Update And Cgi Video Released On £16M ‘Roundabout Bridge’ Replacement In StockportNetwork Rail has provided an update on its project - being delivered by Murphy - to replace the town’s uniquely designed 58m-wide roundabout-bridge.
The structure – which is built from 200 concrete beams - carries vehicles and pedestrians in Stockport over the West Coast Main Line, which sees almost 400 services pass through Stockport station every day. It has supported the Greek Street roundabout since the 1950s and has now reached the end of its life, with the plans to replace it announced last August.
With Network Rail describing the demolition and rebuilding of the bridge as a highly complex process, a computer generated video released today explains how engineers will meet the challenges of the scheme.
The video explains that over Christmas 2024, engineers constructed a temporary bridge to reroute existing utility services such as water and electricity. Once the road is closed, the road layout will be removed carefully to avoid damaging the bridge structure while the railway is in operation. The Murphy team will set up road closures on Greek street, King Street West and Mercian Way in preparation for its demolition of the bridge and replacement of overhead power lines.
With a worksite covering the entire roundabout and some connecting roads, the project's site compound west of Stockport station will include perimeter fencing, cabins and storage areas for the material for the bridge work
From 31 March, the Greek Street roundabout and part of the nearby roads network will close for about 12 months as the main work begins. Over Easter, Network Rail will carry out railway works to prepare for major works, which will see the railway close from 2 - 23 August to enable the bridge to be demolished and the new bridge installed.
Large cranes will lift the old bridge beams and load them onto lorries for removal, before concrete is poured over the structure and topped with tarmac to create the new bridge deck. Following this, the team will redirect the utility services, waterproof the bridge, and reinstate the road. Further work on the railway will take place in October and over Christmas 2025.
Work to reinstate the road over the bridge will be completed in Spring 2026 when the Greek Street roundabout will reopen.
Road users and pedestrians are being informed of diversionary routes during the closure. Network Rail said it has “worked carefully with Stockport Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to establish safe and convenient diversionary routes during the major closure.”
Network Rail sponsor Olivia Boland indicated the video’s release would help greater community understanding of the project. She said: “We’re replacing the Greek Street bridge in Stockport to keep the railway below and road users above safe for years to come.
“We are very grateful for the cooperation of the local community during the work.”
Councillor Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways, and Transport Services, said: “We’re working closely with Network Rail and TfGM to keep Stockport moving, with diversion routes in place to help ease the impact. We really appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while this vital project is carried out.”
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05 March 2025
Highway News
Universal Matter Announces First Successful Asphalt Road TestFor the first time in the UK, a new durable graphene-enhanced road surface which is kinder for both the environment and cars has been successfully tested.
Redcar-based graphene company, Universal Matter GBR Ltd, working in conjunction with Tarmac, the country’s biggest name in road construction, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, have laid the first UK public road using their innovative graphene-based additive Genable™ Pavement.
The addition of graphene to the asphalt enables a longer lifespan of the road, reducing rutting, cracking and increasing resistance to potholes. This promises a smoother journey for drivers, with a less damaging long-term impact on their cars, offering the potential for significant reductions in the carbon footprints of our roads.
The new enhanced asphalt material has previously been tested on several car parks in the United States and Canada and at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) test track, but this was the first demonstration on a public road anywhere in the world.
Graphene additive was added to over 150 tonnes of asphalt at Tarmac’s Coxhoe asphalt plant in County Durham, which was then transported to Flatts Lane Country Park, on the edge of Middlesbrough, where a construction team put down a new entrance road.
“It’s an exciting day for the business globally because it represents a real step forward for the product,” said Andy Gent, the Commercial Director of Universal Matter. He added: “It’s great to see it taken from the lab stage to full road application. This product has great potential, and we are delighted that Tarmac agreed to participate.”
Universal Matter has developed cleaner, faster, and more economical technology to produce graphene, an advanced carbon-based nanomaterial with a wide range of applications. Its proprietary Flash Joule Heating process, coupled with its distinct capability to produce fully formulated graphene-based solutions, can greatly improve the properties of a wide range of infrastructure and industrial materials.
Technical Director A&A for Tarmac, Brian Kent stated that “As part of our drive to explore, and develop new solutions to our customers, particularly focussing on durability and sustainability, we were happy to participate in this project which provides the opportunity to assess performance and potential further use.”
Cllr Carl Quartermain, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: “This is fantastic news for our area, showcasing the innovation and expertise of businesses right here in Redcar and Cleveland.
“We take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable, cutting-edge technology that not only improves our roads but also benefits motorists and the environment.”
He added: “Redcar’s Universal Matter and Tarmac are demonstrating how local talent and big industry can drive real change, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in making this a UK first. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing more pioneering projects into our borough, strengthening our reputation as a hub for advanced materials and sustainable infrastructure.”
Pic: Universal Matterroad-bridge
04 March 2025
Highway News
Graham Appointed To Deliver The New A10 Bridge At WaterbeachConstruction and civil engineering company GRAHAM has been appointed as the principal contactor for the new pedestrian, cycle, and equestrian bridge over the A10 at Waterbeach, Cambridge. The project commissioned by Urban&Civic, aims to enhance sustainable travel options between the new Waterbeach development, the Science Park, and Cambridge City Centre.
The new bridge will connect the Waterbeach development to Cambridge City Centre via the upgraded Mere Way and the proposed new busway. The design of the bridge aligns to Waterbeach’s rich aviation history and the natural landscape, featuring sculpted edge beams and deck/parapet sections that create a silhouette effect, ensuring the bridge integrates seamlessly into its surroundings.
Works will commence in February 2025 and are set to be complete by early 2026 marking a significant milestone in the development of sustainable infrastructure in the region.
Key features include:
Andrew Henry, Contracts Director at GRAHAM said:
“We are delighted to support the delivery of this significant piece of infrastructure. The new A10 bridge will be a key feature in the community, enhancing sustainable travel and stimulating economic growth. Our team is in the final stages of finalising the programme of works for the bridge, and witnessing its installation will be a remarkable achievement.”
Paul Mumford, Project Director at Urban&Civic, said:
“The new A10 bridge is an important piece in the jigsaw of our sustainable transport strategy, making sustainable travel between Waterbeach, the Science Park and Cambridge City Centre a viable option for people living and working in the area – now and in the future. It’s great to see it reach this important milestone.”road-bridge
04 March 2025New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
Graham To Deliver Active Travel Bridge Over A10 In New Cambridge NeighbourhoodGraham has been appointed for the construction of a new pedestrian, cycle and equestrian bridge over the A10, aimed at promoting sustainable travel options in the Waterbeach area of Cambridge.
The structure is set to improve connectivity between the new 4,500 home Waterbeach development, the Science Park and Cambridge City Centre.
Commissioned by Waterbeach developer Urban&Civic, the steel bridge will span 90m and weigh 150t. Designed to reflect Waterbeach’s aviation heritage (as the former home of an RAF base and barracks), the structure will feature sculpted edge beams and deck/parapet sections that create a distinctive silhouette. The design also takes into account the natural landscape, ensuring the bridge integrates harmoniously with its surroundings.
Construction is just getting underway, with completion projected for early 2026.
The project’s modular construction approach will allow for off-site building and lifting the structure into place, significantly reducing potential disruption during construction.
This project is viewed as a vital step in bolstering sustainable infrastructure in the region, aligning with broader efforts to encourage environmentally friendly travel methods.
The bridge will connect the Waterbeach development to Cambridge City Centre via the upgraded Mere Way and a proposed new busway, making it a key asset for local residents and workers.
Graham contracts director Andrew Henry said: “We are delighted to support the delivery of this significant piece of infrastructure. The new A10 bridge will be a key feature in the community, enhancing sustainable travel and stimulating economic growth. Our team is in the final stages of finalising the programme of works for the bridge, and witnessing its installation will be a remarkable achievement.”
Urban&Civic project director Paul Mumford said: “The new A10 bridge is an important piece in the jigsaw of our sustainable transport strategy, making sustainable travel between Waterbeach, the Science Park and Cambridge City Centre a viable option for people living and working in the area – now and in the future. It’s great to see it reach this important milestone.”
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04 March 2025Highway News
Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery: New Report Highlights Impact Of Severe Weather On Uk RoadsThe UK is facing more frequent and intense extreme weather and without greater preparedness this will have consequences for our roads and the communities they serve. This is a challenge shared across the highways sector, and one which the UK Roads Leadership Group (UKRLG) is taking very seriously.
To that end a new review looking at sector readiness for extreme weather, conducted on behalf of the UKRLG by Dr Hugh Deeming, has just been published. The report, Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery, draws on learnings from real events already being experienced in the UK and abroad and makes recommendations across the sector for areas of focus for improving resilience.
The report, with direct relevance for all Directors of Highways, Transportation, and their Heads of Service, is available here.
Pic: Mikael Broms/Dreamstime.comroad-bridge
04 March 2025Highway News
Fifteen Sections Of Main Roads Next As Reading’S Biggest Ever Resurfacing Project ContinuesReading’s biggest ever road resurfacing programme continues today with work starting on the next phase of main road improvements, which will see another 15 sections of major roads resurfaced over the next six weeks.
This is the continuation of a two-year programme in which 64 sections of major roads around Reading are being improved for residents this year alone.
The £4m major roads programme forms part of a wider £8m Reading Borough Council investment that also covers residential roads, including over 100 such roads surfaced between February and the end of April.
The Council’s commitment to improving highways has already led to:
The sections of road being improved will see closures to ensure work can be carried out quickly and safely, and a temporary ‘no waiting at any time traffic order’ will be in place to prevent parking on the road while the works are being undertaken. Residents and businesses directly affected will see advance notices put out alerting them to the work, along with on-street closure notices and resident letters being posted through doors. Residents will need to follow the signed diversions but will be provided with access on an individual basis when it is safe to do so throughout the process. Additionally, bus diversions will be in place.
Karen Rowland, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said:
“We take our residents’ wishes very seriously, and we know that a good standard of roads is one of your top priorities – which makes it one of our top priorities too.
“Having followed a £9m road resurfacing investment with this latest £8m investment, which is making big strides in both main and residential road improvements, it is clear to see that we’re taking residents’ requests seriously on this and putting everything in to building a better road network for Reading.
“With over 100 residential roads being improved this spring along with these key major routes too, residents will see the difference we’re making very soon”.
Pic: Reading Borough Councilroad-bridge
04 March 2025Highway News
Co Durham: 183-Year Old Bridge Revived With Modern EngineeringDating from the early 1830s, Whorlton Bridge in County Durham has had to be closed to traffic whilst a major programme of works is carried out, during which every component is to be removed, refurbished and replaced. To facilitate the works, a bespoke catenary system has been installed, with Mabey Hire’s adaptable and modular propping equipment used to construct the temporary structure.
A Grade 2 listed structure and scheduled monument, Whorlton Bridge is one of the UK’s oldest road suspension bridges, with the timber deck supported by its original iron chains. Formally opened in 1831, it was originally designed to carry horse and carts with coal from Durham coal fields.
After a routine inspection, the single file road bridge was formally closed to traffic in December 2020. Subsequent assessments concluded that the structure could not withstand the effects of load combinations for pedestrians or vehicles, with the main chains and link pins also failing under loading.
Following consent from Historic England, a programme of works commenced in early 2024, with the entire structure to be dismantled and all components to be inspected, shotblasted, tested and repainted. The parts will then be returned to their original position and as much of the original materials reused where possible.VolkerLaser was appointed by Durham County Council to carry out the structural rehabilitation works, delivered in line with Historic England’s parameters and in coordination with the Environment Agency.
Due to the logistical challenges the project presented, it was decided that a temporary catenary system would be installed to support the existing cables below the deck, while the entire structure was dismantled piece by piece. Designed by Case Civil & Structural Engineering, the temporary cable crane structure utilised a range of Mabey Hire’s propping equipment, including its Mass 50, System 160 and Mat 125 products.
Speaking about the cable crane, Chris McHutchison, Senior Project Manager at VolkerLaser said “Working with Case Civil & Structural Engineering, we knew that we wanted a proprietary system that offered an adaptable, ‘off the shelf’ solution. We were attracted to Mabey Hire not only for their comprehensive and readily available product portfolio but also the detailed technical information made available. Thanks to the modular nature of the kit, we were able to easily interchange it with other systems, as well as minimise fabrication on site due to the equipment arriving ready to install.”
Pic: Mabey Hireroad-bridge
04 March 2025roads & bridges
Arizona’S Dust Detection System Enhances Roadway SafetyA dust detection system designed to improve safety along a hazardous stretch of Interstate 10 in Arizona has been in place for five years. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports that the system has activated dozens of times since 2020, helping drivers slow down in dangerous conditions.
The system operates along a 10-mile section of I-10 south of the Valley, an area prone to dust storms. It uses visibility sensors to monitor dust density and triggers message boards to warn drivers.
ADOT advises motorists to follow the “pull aside, stay alive” protocol by exiting the road or pulling over with lights off and feet off the brake if caught in a storm.
Despite the system’s success, a key component remains underutilized. The Doppler radar system, intended to provide early storm warnings, has not been fully integrated due to delays in an intergovernmental agreement between ADOT and the National Weather Service.
If the system can reach full operation, it would combine freeway sensors, programmable speed limit signs and ground-based Doppler radar in a pilot project.
Officials say the agreement is in its final stages, awaiting approval.
The project, launched in response to a dangerous section of I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix, was funded by a $6.5 million federal grant. It was recognized with a Gamechanger award in 2021 by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
While the system has effectively reduced crash risks, local emergency responders were surprised to learn that the radar is not yet operational. Fire officials stress that early warnings would enhance safety for both motorists and first responders.
Source: AZFamily.com, ABC15.comroad-bridge
04 March 2025roads & bridges
Major Roadwork Continues On Michigan U.S. Highway 127The next phase of construction on the U.S. Highway 127 corridor in Lansing, Mich. between Interstates 96 and 496 is set to begin this week, with completion expected by late 2025.
This year’s work focuses on rebuilding the southbound lanes along a three and a half-mile stretch. Traffic will shift to the northbound side, where two lanes will remain open in both directions.
However, pinch points at crossover lanes near the work zone’s ends could cause slowdowns. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will implement traffic controls by mid-March.
As in previous phases, the project includes ramp closures and detours. Officials advise drivers to plan accordingly. Crews will prioritize the southern section between Dunckel Road and Interstate 96 to alleviate congestion early in the project.
“My hope is that everybody sees how nice the new side is and has a little extra patience while we work on the southbound lanes,” said Trevor Block, MDOT project manager, in a statement to WILX.com
Last year, MDOT completed work on the northbound side. The project follows resurfacing efforts from the Jackson County line to Mason in 2022 and 2023, as well as bridge improvements at the U.S. 127/I-496 interchange.
Future phases will extend north. In 2026, MDOT will rebuild the freeway between Interstate 69 and Lake Lansing Road.
The final phase, scheduled for 2027-2028, will realign sections from I-496 to Lake Lansing Road, including bridge and drainage upgrades.
Source: Yahoo News, WILX.comroad-bridge
03 March 2025Highway News
Caerphilly: Litter-Picking Planned For Key Road NetworksPlans are being made to start the next round of litter-picking work on Caerphilly’s key road networks after it was revealed that Caerphilly County Borough council spends more than £85,000 each year clearing litter and debris from its dual carriageways. Cllr Chris Morgan said, “We spend a significant amount of money and resources clearing litter from our strategic highway network. This inconsiderate littering causes a blight on our countryside and I would urge local people to do their bit to help make our county borough a cleaner and greener place to live, work and visit.” Traffic management arrangements must be put in place to allow council staff to safely litter pick along the verges of busy routes. This traffic management has to be booked well in advance and is very expensive. The costs, logistics and disruption caused by these works means that they are only undertaken a few times each year. “It can be challenging and costly to carry out this work, particularly when our budgets are under such pressure. This money can be better spent on delivering other key services, rather than clearing up the mess left by an inconsiderate minority,” added Cllr Morgan. Dates and locations for the next scheduled litter pick in March will be announced by the council over the coming weeks.road-bridge
03 March 2025Highway News
East Midlands To Receive £175M To Improve Region’S Roads And Public TransportNearly £175 million for transport in the region is set to be approved in the next year (2025/26) – with a further £19m also being considered down the line.
The funding, £88million of which is new to the region and is thanks to the East Midlands having a regional Mayor and a Combined County Authority. East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board will discuss and vote on approving the funding at their next meeting on Monday 10 March.
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 constituent 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 will support 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 include:
• 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 for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Nottingham City Council will focus on improving major roads for walking and cycling, as well as upgrading real-time passenger 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 are as follows:
• £66 million for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement 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: 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 in 2025/26.
• £12.86 million for Integrated Transport: 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 invest millions to build a better, more connected future for our communities. This funding will make a real difference to everyday lives, making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, whether by bus, bike, or on 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, reduce congestion, 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, or our 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
28 February 2025New Civil Engineer (Road)
£4.2M Structural Repairs Completed On M5 ViaductVolkerLaser has announced the successful completion of structural repair works on the Oldbury viaduct, a crucial section of the M5 motorway, undertaken as part of the multi-billion-pound Scheme Delivery Framework for National Highways.
The critical repairs were valued at approximately £4.2M and focused on two specific bents, numbered 24/03 and 24/19A, along the elevated 21km stretch of motorway viaducts that make up the Midland links. These 11 viaducts were originally constructed in the 1970s and play a vital role in facilitating traffic between junctions 1 and 2 of the M5.
Work commenced with the installation of CAT II design scaffolding to support the repairs. The scaffolding for each bent occupied a footprint of 36.2m by 6.34m and rose 14m high. Due to certain sections being located above canals, extensive encapsulation measures were necessary to manage water discharge during the hydro-demolition process. A specialist team also installed additional protection to specific bents in order to maintain their structural integrity throughout the critical works.
VolkerLaser worked closely with Enfinium, which is developing a nearby waste-to-energy plant, to facilitate access to bent 24/19A. This collaboration was crucial in ensuring the timely progression of the repairs.
A significant aspect of the projects included the treatment of approximately 500,000l of discharge water, which was managed using siltbuster units and discharged under consent from Severn Trent.
The hydro-demolition phase allowed for the removal of spalled and delaminated concrete from the reinforcement. A total of 241 concrete repairs were carried out on the bents, including the restoration of crossbeams and columns. Works also saw 24 panel walls removed and recast, and significant amounts of corroded steel was removed and replaced to strengthen the beams’ structural integrity.
To combat future corrosion, a sophisticated impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) system was installed. This system involved the installation of 2,000m of ICCP cable and two transformer rectifier panels to ensure effective management of the current, along with 445m2 of titanium mesh to create an effective conductive surface. An additional 48t of dry spray concrete were applied to create an overlay, protecting the mesh and other components.
Finally, the system included the necessary references, with positive (anode) and negative (cathode) connections, ensuring the correct flow of current for optimal corrosion prevention. This approach ensured a well-coordinated and effective solution for safeguarding the bents from corrosion in the future.
The concluding phase of the project saw the removal and repouring of defective bearing plinths, to form a 50mm mastic joint around bearings. A new paint system applied to the I-beam ends and guttering replaced on both bents.
VolkerLaser achieved a commendable score of 41 out of 45 during a recent assessment by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, reflecting the company’s dedication to community respect, environmental protection, workforce wellbeing and commitment to safety standards.
The repairs took a total of 19 months to complete, with the scheme finishing in February 2025, enhancing the safety and longevity of this vital transport link.
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28 February 2025Highway News
£200M Norfolk Road Scheme Gets Government ApprovalNorwich residents are set to see faster journeys and thousands of new homes and jobs in the region as ministers approve the long delayed A47/A11 Thickthorn Junction scheme, the government has announced.
Backed by over £200 million, this road development will significantly speed up journey times, reduce pressure on the junction and save commuters, businesses and freight hundreds of hours off journeys each week, reports the BBC.
On the eastbound A11 to A47, drivers will save 3 to 4 minutes off journeys in the morning and afternoon travel peaks. Along the A11, the route will also shave off 2 to 3 minutes in the morning and afternoon peaks.
The scheme is supporting the Greater Norwich City Deal, with the aim of attracting more businesses to operate in Norwich and is expected to create over 44,000 homes, 33,000 new jobs and 360 additional hectares of new commercial land by 2038.
“This scheme is finally getting the go-ahead it deserves, after years of expensive legal blocks,” said Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood.
“We are now able to unlock this vital scheme that Norwich has waited long for. We are determined to get Britain building again as this scheme is set to not only improve journeys but create thousands of new homes and jobs.”
The upgraded junction will also improve links between Norwich and Peterborough, expanding job opportunities and better connecting communities, and is also a key route to Norwich University Hospital.
The new design will also improve safety, with rerouted traffic and safer pedestrian and cycle routes, projected to save as many as 26 fatal or serious injury collisions over the next 60 years.
The plans include the construction of 2 new free-flowing slip roads that will connect the A47 with the A11, re-routing traffic away from the junction and flowing it under new underpasses.
The government is providing over £200 million for the scheme which is expected to generate millions more for the local economy of Norfolk. It is part of the government’s Plan for Change to renew infrastructure and grow the economy.
Pic: DfTroad-bridge
28 February 2025