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02 May 2025
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May 02, 2025Highway News
Ford has abruptly cancelled its flagship software architecture project, known as FNV4, which executives once described as “vital” to competing with electric vehicle (EV) leaders like Tesla. The decision, revealed to select employees last week, ends a multi-year effort to modernize the digital foundation of Ford’s vehicle lineup and streamline costly software systems.
According the CBT News, three sources who spoke with Reuters reported that the project was facing an end due to rising costs and persistent delays. The team designed the now-defunct FNV4 to unify and simplify vehicle software across electric and gasoline models. This design aimed to enable faster over-the-air updates and to create new revenue opportunities through features like driver-assist subscriptions.
Instead, Ford will focus on integrating insights from FNV4 into its existing software platforms and continue development through its Skunkworks team in California, which focuses on building advanced digital systems and affordable EVs. A Ford spokesperson confirmed the pivot, stating the company remains committed to fully connected vehicle experiences across all powertrains, not just EVs.
CEO Jim Farley had appointed Doug Field, a former executive at Tesla and Apple, to lead the FNV4 initiative. Field, one of the company’s top-paid executives, earned $15.5 million in 2023 and worked on delivering a “zonal” architecture that divides vehicle control into modular sections managed by a central computer.
Ford’s legacy software system, stitched together from dozens of suppliers, has long hindered its ability to deploy updates and ensure quality. In a 2023 podcast, Farley pointed out that Ford faced fragmentation in its software control system, prompting the company to request updates from external vendors like Bosch to modify seat controls. These complexities have contributed to repeated quality issues and industry-leading recall numbers since 2021.
The collapse of the FNV4 project marks a setback in Ford’s race against rivals General Motors and Stellantis in modernizing automotive electronics. Overall, Ford’s losses on EVs and software, partly due to FNV4, totaled $4.7 billion in 2023 and $5 billion in 2024.
Still, the company says it remains focused on speed and innovation. Meanwhile, industry experts say that achieving faster and more efficient software integration is a competitive necessity.
(Pic: Xi Zhang/Dreamstime.com)
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Transforming Peru’S Highlands With A Billion-Dollar Ppp Road DealIn a defining moment for Peru’s transport infrastructure, PROINVERSIÓN, the country’s Private Investment Promotion Agency, has announced it will award the monumental Longitudinal Highway of the Sierra Section 4 project this July.
This colossal undertaking, structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), is pegged at a staggering US$1.582 billion of project finance and is poised to breathe new life into one of Peru’s most rugged and logistically challenging regions.
Stretching a total of 965.2 kilometres through the heart of the Andes, this project is far more than just a highway upgrade. It’s a transformative corridor that promises to boost regional trade, enhance rural connectivity, and deliver safer, more efficient transport across the country’s highland spine.
The Longitudinal Highway project isn’t a one-size-fits-all fix. It consists of three distinct components, each tailored to tackle different challenges along the route:
The project’s lifespan is set at 25 years, encompassing everything from financing and construction to operation and ongoing maintenance. This long-term commitment reflects a holistic view of infrastructure development that favours durability and lifecycle cost-efficiency over short-term fixes.
Eight heavyweight consortia and companies have thrown their hats into the ring, each bringing a wealth of experience and international expertise:
The strong interest from both local and global players underscores the strategic significance of this corridor. It also reflects investor confidence in Peru’s commitment to transparent, well-structured PPP project finance.
The Sierra spine is no easy terrain. Rugged, elevated, and often underserved by modern road networks, the central highlands of Peru present significant mobility challenges. This corridor is essential not just for local communities, but for linking major economic nodes across the nation.
By improving access and reliability, the project is expected to:
The US$1.5+ billion investment is structured to attract private sector capital under a PPP model that shares risk across public and private partners. According to PROINVERSIÓN, the project will be governed by a performance-based payment scheme, ensuring that the concessionaire is incentivised to maintain high standards throughout the 25-year lifecycle.
“This PPP model allows the Peruvian State to promote efficient, sustainable infrastructure by relying on private-sector experience and resources,” stated a PROINVERSIÓN spokesperson.
The payment scheme also includes availability payments, tying compensation directly to the road’s performance, rather than traffic volumes. This ensures that public service remains the priority, regardless of fluctuations in demand.
In light of Peru’s vulnerability to climate-related disruptions, the project incorporates a strong emphasis on environmental and geotechnical resilience. Design specifications will address issues such as landslides, seismic activity, and seasonal flooding, which frequently plague the Andean region.
Furthermore, there is a push to integrate low-carbon construction methods and modern monitoring systems. These include smart sensors for structural health monitoring and intelligent traffic management systems, which could pave the way for smarter infrastructure policy across Peru.
Peru’s infrastructure gap has long been a bottleneck to broader development. According to the World Bank, the country needs to invest at least 4.5% of its GDP annually to bridge the deficit. Projects like the Longitudinal Highway are vital steps in this direction.
Improved road networks, especially in hard-to-reach highland areas, can unleash economic potential by lowering trade costs, boosting tourism, and enabling decentralised industrial growth.
“Better roads mean better lives,” as one local mayor put it during a public consultation event. “This highway isn’t just asphalt. It’s access to opportunity.”
The final award of the concession is expected in July, with financial close projected shortly after. Construction and mobilisation will begin thereafter, although timelines will depend on permitting and environmental compliance procedures.
Given the scale of the project, it could take several years before all segments are fully delivered, but milestones will be closely tracked by PROINVERSIÓN and the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
With an eye on inclusive growth and sustainable development, the Longitudinal Highway of the Sierra Section 4 is more than just a ribbon of road across Peru’s highlands. It’s a lifeline for isolated communities, a catalyst for rural prosperity, and a clear signal that Peru is serious about infrastructure-led development.
If executed with the transparency, efficiency, and foresight promised, this megaproject may very well become a benchmark for future PPPs across Latin America.
Highways Today - Road
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10 July 20254 min readTransforming Peru’S Highlands With A Billion-Dollar Ppp Road Deal
Highways Today - Road
10 July 2025
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$1.4 Billion Via15 Project To Bridge Infrastructure Gaps Across The NetherlandsThe Netherlands is about to plug a critical gap in its road network with the ground-breaking ViA15 project – a game-changing infrastructure venture that aims to bridge the missing link between the A15 and the A12 near the German border. With a contract value of US$1.4 billion (EUR 1.2 billion), this massive initiative is being delivered through a project finance based Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by the GelreGroen joint venture, led by HOCHTIEF and BESIX, and supported by Dura Vermeer, Van Oord, and infrastructure investor John Laing.
What makes this particular stretch of road so significant? In short, it unlocks a strategic east-west corridor that will drastically improve mobility, not just for the Netherlands, but for trans-European freight routes as well. Once completed, the ViA15 will provide a seamless connection between Rotterdam’s bustling port and Germany’s industrial heartlands.
The ViA15 project will see the extension of the A15 motorway by 12 kilometres and the widening of a further 23 kilometres of the A12 and A15 near Arnhem and Zevenaar. These improvements are set to transform one of the most congested and logistically important regions in the country.
Beyond just easing traffic jams, the project has broader ambitions. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch government agency overseeing infrastructure: “This missing link is essential for ensuring smoother logistics, greater road safety, and future-proof transport between our major ports and neighbouring economies.”
Crucially, the road upgrade aims to bolster freight transport by creating a more efficient route from the Port of Rotterdam to the German hinterland. Given that Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, the ripple effects of this project will be felt far beyond Dutch borders.
Procured under a DBFM model (Design, Build, Finance, Maintain), the ViA15 project is a prime example of how the public and private sectors can collaborate to deliver complex infrastructure with long-term benefits. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with completion targeted for 2031. After that, the project enters a 20-year maintenance phase, during which the consortium will be responsible for keeping the infrastructure in top shape.
The delivery model ensures risk-sharing across all phases, with private partners taking the lead on financing, design, and execution, while the government focuses on regulatory oversight and strategic alignment.
Perhaps the most visually striking feature of the ViA15 development is the planned 2.5-kilometre bridge over the Pannerdensch Canal. But this isn’t just another crossing – it’s set to be a regional icon.
Designed with cyclists and pedestrians in mind, the bridge includes separate lanes for non-motorised traffic, as well as a central viewing platform offering panoramic views of the Dutch waterway landscape. This multipurpose structure will connect communities while also becoming a popular stop for locals and tourists alike.
In total, the ViA15 scheme will feature:
At the heart of this mega-project is the GelreGroen consortium. Its unique ownership and delivery structure provides a well-balanced combination of financial muscle, engineering expertise, and local knowledge.
The project ownership breakdown is as follows:
Meanwhile, the delivery of the DBFM obligations is split evenly among HOCHTIEF, Dura Vermeer, BESIX, and Van Oord, each holding a 25% share of the operational responsibilities.
John Laing plays a pivotal financial role in the venture. As a veteran PPP investor, the firm brings decades of experience in long-term infrastructure financing. “We’re proud to be part of a transformative project that will improve lives, boost trade, and set a benchmark for future infrastructure,” stated a spokesperson for John Laing.
While the numbers are impressive, it’s the technical sophistication and sustainable design that set this project apart. From eco-friendly construction practices to climate-resilient road surfaces, ViA15 is designed with the future in mind.
Smart mobility features are expected to be integrated into the route, including intelligent traffic systems, real-time monitoring, and digital signage to improve road safety and reduce bottlenecks. These additions reflect the Netherlands’ forward-thinking approach to transport infrastructure, one that embraces digital transformation and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the inclusion of active transport lanes on the new bridge aligns with the country’s broader goals of encouraging sustainable, multimodal travel.
Community involvement has been a core part of the project planning process. Extensive public consultations were held to gather input on noise pollution, environmental impact, and access concerns. The result is a design that aims to minimise disruption and maximise benefits for residents.
The project is also set to deliver an economic boost to the region, with hundreds of jobs expected during the construction phase, followed by long-term employment for operations and maintenance.
“We see this as more than just a road,” said a Dura Vermeer project lead: “It’s a catalyst for regional growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life.”
As infrastructure needs continue to grow across Europe, the ViA15 project serves as a template for delivering ambitious projects that blend public benefit with private efficiency.
Its strategic use of the DBFM model, cross-sector collaboration, and attention to sustainability and smart technology demonstrate how modern infrastructure can tick all the boxes – from economic and environmental to social and operational.
With spades expected to hit the ground in 2026 and ribbon-cutting by 2031, this motorway promises to reshape the way the Netherlands connects with itself and the rest of Europe.
The ViA15 isn’t merely a motorway; it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when innovation, collaboration, and foresight align. The project not only plugs a literal gap in the Dutch road network but also marks a step toward a smarter, greener, and more connected future for Europe.
Highways Today - Road
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10 July 20255 min read$1.4 Billion Via15 Project To Bridge Infrastructure Gaps Across The Netherlands
Highways Today - Road
10 July 2025
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Italy To Reclassify 3.6Km £11Bn Sicily Bridge As Defence Spending To Meet Nato ObjectivesItaly has revealed plans to re-classify its long-awaited €13.5bn (£11bn) bridge across the Strait of Messina as defence spending in order to meet Nato targets.
Last week, Nato members agreed to spend 3.5% of GDP on core military capabilities by 2035 with an added 1.5% allocated to strategic resilience, including essential infrastructure.
Now, Italy’s prime minister Georgia Meloni has announced plans to include the price of the Strait of Messina bridge as a part of its defence spending to help with meeting this target. It is also hoped that it will be able to attract European Commission funding for the project by making it align with EU’s Military Mobility Action Plan.
The bridge has long been mooted. It would stretch across the Strait of Messina between mainland Italy and the island of Sicily and at around 3.6km it would be the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Matteo Salvini, Italy’s infrastructure minister, has designated about €13.5bn (£11bn) towards the project, which is set to begin construction this summer.
The Italian government is now plotting to re-brand this significant public infrastructure project as a “dual use” defence assets. Supporters argue that significantly improve military efficiency, including the shifting of military equipment and troops to Sicily.
However, others argue that the reclassification may not be accepted by Nato. Rome only contributed 1.49% of its GDP towards its military last year, making it one of Nato’s smallest military spenders, so reclassifying the bridge is seen as a ploy to artificially inflate this figure.
Additionally, for it to receive European Commission funding it must meet three requirements: it must be essential, lack viable alternatives and include compensatory environmental measures.
The Messina bridge between Sicily and the mainland has been a consideration since Roman times, but was brought to the table officially in 1998 when Italy’s government approved the plans “in principal”. A multi-billion Euro contract was awarded to a consortium led by Impreligo (now WeBuild) in 2006, but later cancelled when the country faced a recession. The project has been on-again, off-again several times since then, but was firmly put back on the table in 2023 when the Italian government officially ordered the restart of the planning procedure.
Webuild engineering director Michele Longo has previously said: “The Bridge over the Strait of Messina is a highly innovative project. It will be the longest suspension bridge in the world at 3,660 metres, with a span of 3,300 metres.
“The project will have a strong impact on the economy and employment in the region. It is expected to boost the national GDP by €2.9bn [£2.5bn] a year, equal to 0.17% of the national GDP. It would involve about 300 suppliers, especially small- and medium-sized businesses from the region. More than 100,000 people would potentially be employed during the life of the project, including in the local economy. Most of these people would come from the regions of Sicily and Calabria where there the rates of unemployment are high.”
Critics of the plan have pointed out that the Strait of Messina is one of Europe’s most seismically active locations, as it is right on a faultline. The current of the water between Sicily and the mainland is also notoriously strong, adding complications. Longo said that the bridge will have structural integrity to withstand a quake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, which is greater than the last earthquake on the faultline that occurred in 1908.
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01 July 20253 min readItaly To Reclassify 3.6Km £11Bn Sicily Bridge As Defence Spending To Meet Nato Objectives
New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
01 July 2025
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Hs2 Completes Three-Day Slide Of 220M-Long Viaduct Deck In NorthamptonshireHigh Speed 2 (HS2) engineers have successfully slid the 1,300t deck of the Lower Thorpe viaduct into place near the village of Thorpe Mandeville in Northamptonshire.
The 220m steel and concrete structure, which will carry high-speed trains across Banbury Lane, was moved into position over the course of three days.
Set in a valley, the viaduct is designed not only to support the new railway but also to help manage flood risk by allowing rainwater to continue draining into existing watercourses. Its distinctive russet-coloured weathering steel is intended to blend with the surrounding countryside.
The deck was slid sideways into place using special pads coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a low-friction material similar to that found on non-stick frying pans. These pads reduced friction between the deck and temporary steel bearings atop five concrete piers, allowing precise and efficient positioning.
This installation marks the completion of the last of five viaducts employing this sliding technique in the central section of HS2, constructed by contractor EKFB, a joint venture of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall, with specialist input from Eiffage Metal.
Aerial view of Lower Thorpe Viaduct looking along the deck during the slide, June 2025
With the steelwork now positioned, engineers will next lower the deck by 600mm onto permanent bearings before progressing to work on the concrete deck and parapets.
EKFB is responsible for delivering 15 major viaducts for HS2 between the Chilterns and South Warwickshire. The five sliding viaducts share a “double composite” design, which incorporates steel beams along the sides with reinforced concrete layers above and below, creating stronger yet more material-efficient spans than traditional pre-stressed concrete beams.
This design innovation is said to reduce the viaducts’ carbon footprint by between 39% and 59%, compared to conventional construction methods that typically involve solid concrete beams lifted into place by cranes. The hollow spans also allow for longer spans and shallower beams, offering engineering advantages.
The other four viaducts built with this method – Wendover Dean, Small Dean, Westbury and Turweston – are at more advanced stages of construction.
At Westbury, near Brackley, work is underway on the concrete deck using a cantilever formwork traveller, a mobile mould that enables the concrete to be poured in sections efficiently without cranes. This technique also enhances safety by improving access and reducing the risk of accidents.
Issues with the HS2 project came to a head last week when a pair of reports revealed the scale of slippage in the work on the high-speed railway so far. The government has now confirmed that the line will not open by 2033.
HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild is currently reviewing and resetting the whole project and aims to set a new benchmark in 2026, a move aimed at delivering the overall project at the lowest reasonable cost.
Reacting to the successful deck slide on the Lower Thorpe viaduct, HS2 Ltd project manager Sam Arrowsmith said: “It’s great to see the viaduct deck in position and I’d like the thank everyone who’s helped get us to where we are today. The slide may only have taken three days, but it was the culmination of four years of work – developing the design, completing the groundworks and the piers and assembling the enormous steelwork.”
EKFB technical director Janice McKenna said: “The strategic design approach applied to these double composite structures has been a game-changer in how we’re building these viaducts. The double composite solution can be applied to multiple structures in different locations, and we have five across EKFB’s 80km route that are all well into construction.
“The philosophy was to design the viaducts with architectural input to 'blend' the structures into their respective landscapes and reduce the visual impact on the environment. We also required a solution that offered specific delivery benefits too, from saving embedded carbon in the materials we use, to enhancing productivity on site and reducing safety risk.”
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24 June 20254 min readHs2 Completes Three-Day Slide Of 220M-Long Viaduct Deck In Northamptonshire
New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
24 June 2025
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Adept Welcomes Government’S £1 Billion Investment In Vital Road StructuresAngela Jones, President of ADEPT, has welcomed the recent announcement of £1 billion in government funding to repair and renew Britain’s ageing road structures.
“This investment is desperately needed and represents a significant step forward in addressing the infrastructure crisis facing local authorities across the country,” she said.
“ADEPT has been warning for years about the deteriorating state of road structures. The government’s acknowledgment that approximately 3,000 bridges cannot support the heaviest vehicles aligns with ADEPT’s own data showing that 3,090 bridges – 4.3% of the 71,925 bridges maintained by local authorities – are currently substandard1.
“In 2023, the RAC Foundation and ADEPT’s joint 2023 Bridge Maintenance study estimated that the one-time cost to clear the maintenance backlog on all 71,925 bridges across the country would be £5.861 billion. This bridges backlog sits within the broader infrastructure challenge highlighted by the latest AIA’s ALARM survey report 20252, which shows a £16.81 billion total backlog for bringing the entire local road network to ideal conditions.
“While today’s £1 billion investment is a significant first step, it underscores the magnitude of the infrastructure deficit that has built up over years of underinvestment. This is not just a technical issue – it’s an economic and social problem that affects communities, businesses and emergency services daily. Our infrastructure is under increasing pressure from extreme weather events and climate change and the government’s commitment to making transport infrastructure more resilient to these challenges is crucial for futureproofing our networks.
“The publication of the Infrastructure Strategy provides an important opportunity to understand the government’s long-term vision for addressing the UK’s infrastructure challenges – we look forward to receiving more detail about how this will support local authorities in delivering essential improvements to our transport networks when it is published.”
(Pic: ADEPT)
Highway News
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18 June 20252 min readAdept Welcomes Government’S £1 Billion Investment In Vital Road Structures
Highway News
18 June 2025
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Delhi To Build 5-Km Tunnel Linking Shiv Murti And Mandela RoadNot available
Construction World
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12 June 20251 min readDelhi To Build 5-Km Tunnel Linking Shiv Murti And Mandela Road
Construction World
12 June 2025
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Centre Halts Goa Ring Road Project Until 40-Km Highway Work FinishesIn a significant setback to Goa’s infrastructure development plans, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has put the proposed Rs 150 billion ring road project on hold. The ministry has directed the state to first complete the remaining 40 km of its national highway expansion, which began in 2016, before initiating any new works.
The ring road, initially approved in December 2022, was intended to ease internal traffic congestion by enabling the smooth movement of heavy interstate vehicles through a dedicated outer corridor. However, the ministry has clarified that construction of the ring road cannot proceed until all pending highway widening works are completed.
The incomplete stretches of the highway expansion are located in key areas such as Cuncolim, Canacona, Bhoma, and Ponda. These works, aimed at addressing traffic requirements until 2030, have no clear completion timeline, raising concerns among officials about potential delays in future infrastructure planning. A review of traffic density is scheduled for 2030 to reassess road needs.
The ministry has warned that advancing the ring road without finishing the existing works would breach planning regulations. The highway expansion project has been plagued by various challenges, including land acquisition delays, environmental concerns, structural objections, and demands for elevated corridors. Changes in project scope have further contributed to the delays.
During the tenure of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, authorities had opted to begin work on stretches where land was already available, with the remaining sections to be developed later. This phased approach, however, led to complications, as contractors took advantage of the situation to claim cost escalations due to delays.
With both the ring road and highway expansion in limbo, Goa’s broader infrastructure goals remain stalled until the foundational road works are brought to completion.
News source: Daiji World
Construction World
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12 June 20252 min readCentre Halts Goa Ring Road Project Until 40-Km Highway Work Finishes
Construction World
12 June 2025
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Walsh Construction To Replace Decrepit Providence Bridge For $339MCompleted in 1968, the two-span bridge over the Seekonk River is one of Rhode Island’s busiest traffic arteries, carrying some 96,000 vehicles a day.
But it’s had a troubled end-of-life.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) suddenly closed the westbound span in December 2023 after engineers discovered that a number of bracing pins had been severed.
RIDOT warned of “catastrophic failure” if the span stayed open.
At the time, the engineers were working on a $78m project to rehabilitate the bridge, begun in October 2021.
After the discovery, RIDOT deemed the bridge beyond saving, and began searching for a contractor to replace it completely. It’s now being demolished.
Incentives and penalties for the builder
A leading bridge builder, Walsh bid $339m for the job, but RIDOT added another $88m for what it called “soft costs for inspections and potential incentives and contingencies”, bringing the potential total cost to $427m.
Walsh starts next month surveying the site, ordering materials, and mobilising workers.
It committed to completing the project in November 2028, but could get up to $10m in incentives if lanes open ahead of schedule.
On the other hand, the builder faces penalties of $25,000 a day if the project goes over the deadline.
End to the nightmare
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed relief that an end to the nightmare may be in sight.
“With a world-class construction company hired, a project cost that is well within our budgeted funds, and a project timeline that is driven by industry expertise, we’re positioned to deliver a bridge that will truly outlast our lifetimes,” he said.
A bit shorter
The new bridge will be designed to last 100 years and be easier to inspect and maintain.
Walsh plans to increase the number of lanes over the bridge from four to five, and build a new on-ramp from Gano Street and an off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.
The bridge will be built on an entirely new substructure, and its overall footprint will be 450 feet shorter than the old bridge, a decision that requires fewer piers in the river.
The current demolition project is on track for completion by the end of the year, with the demolition of the underwater foundation beginning in July.
Global Construction Review-Road
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11 June 20252 min readWalsh Construction To Replace Decrepit Providence Bridge For $339M
Global Construction Review-Road
11 June 2025
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Rhode Island’S Washington Bridge Replacement To Cost $571 MillionThe westbound Washington Bridge on Interstate 195 in Rhode Island is set to be replaced at an estimated total cost of $571 million and won’t reopen to traffic until late 2028 — more than two years later than initially projected.
Gov. Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced Friday that Walsh Construction Co. has been awarded the $427 million contract to build the new span.
The total cost includes $340 million in hard construction expenses and $87 million in soft costs, such as a $10 million incentive if Walsh finishes ahead of schedule. Demolition and emergency response costs push the full project price tag to $571 million.
The original bridge was closed abruptly during the evening commute in December 2023, after engineers discovered structural instability that could have led to a catastrophic collapse, according to officials. Initial hopes to repair the span were dashed after further inspection revealed internal steel corrosion.
“This has been a trying time for those who rely on the Washington Bridge,” McKee said, adding that the final bid was within the $713 million the state has budgeted from a mix of state and federal funding sources.
The state had originally hoped to complete the project by August 2026 for roughly $250 million to $300 million. But a lack of initial bidders and design revisions—including abandoning plans to reuse the old bridge’s piers—delayed the timeline and increased costs.
Walsh was chosen over American Bridge Co., which submitted a higher construction bid. State officials say the eastbound span currently carrying all traffic remains safe under enhanced inspection protocols.
Meanwhile, the state’s lawsuit against 13 companies involved in the failed bridge's past maintenance and the U.S. Department of Justice probe remain ongoing.
Source: Providencejournal.com, Turnto10.com
Roads & Bridges
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09 June 20252 min readRhode Island’S Washington Bridge Replacement To Cost $571 Million
Roads & Bridges
09 June 2025
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Balfour’S £208M Lincolnshire Road Job Heads To InquiryProposals for a £208m road job that was awarded to Balfour Beatty three years ago are to go to a public inquiry next month.
Lincolnshire County Council said the formal process of examining legal orders for North Hykeham Relief Road would begin on 1 July.
Balfour Beatty was named in April 2022 to design and build the section of dual carriageway, which will complete a ring road around Lincoln.
The county council approved planning permission for the scheme last year but land owners, businesses and statutory bodies have raised objections to legal instruments needed for it to proceed.
Now the Department for Transport (DfT), which is backing the project with more than £100m, has ordered a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase order and side road order requested to allow construction of the road.
A planning inspector will listen to both sides and decide whether these orders should be granted.
Michael Cheyne, executive member for highways at the county council, said: “Any road project of this size requires a lot of work before we can start building new roads and bridges but our project team is getting us closer and closer to breaking ground.
“Despite an inquiry being required, we are continuing to progress with the scheme with the intention of starting construction works later this year.
“This scheme is essential to supporting the growth of the area and keeping the county moving, so I look forward to seeing work commence soon.”
The compulsory purchase order would allow the council to acquire outstanding plots of land for the relief road while the side roads order would enable it to improve local links to the highway.
The North Hykeham Relief Road would see a dual carriageway built linking the A46 Pennells Roundabout to the newly constructed Lincoln Eastern Bypass.
As part of the project, new roundabouts would be built at South Hykeham Road, Brant Road and Grantham Road. A number of bridges would also be constructed, including at Station Road and over the River Witham.
Balfour Beatty and the DfT have been contacted for comment.
Construction News
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09 June 20252 min readBalfour’S £208M Lincolnshire Road Job Heads To Inquiry
Construction News
09 June 2025
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Spain’S $108M A-127 Regional Road Upgrade Guaranteed By Assured GuarantyIn a major boost to regional infrastructure, Assured Guaranty (Europe) SA (AGE), a subsidiary of the Bermudian financial powerhouse Assured Guaranty Ltd., has stepped in to guarantee a substantial project financing loan worth EUR 96 million (approximately US$ 108 million).
This strategic move will underpin critical upgrades to the A-127 regional highway in the autonomous community of Aragón, located in north-eastern Spain.
The 23-year fixed-rate facility, bearing a 3.65% coupon, represents a long-term commitment to regional development and enhanced mobility. Bankinter S.A., Kutxabank S.A., and Unicaja Banco S.A. have jointly issued the loan, while Bondholders S.L. assumes the role of security agent and trustee for the financial guarantee. The transaction marks another confident stride by Assured Guaranty in the European project finance landscape.
The lion’s share of the funds will be funnelled into two vital segments of the A-127:
Widening a 24-kilometre section between Tauste and Ejea de los Caballeros
Completely rebuilding a 14-kilometre stretch between Tauste and Gallur
Together, these improvements are expected to bolster road safety, reduce travel times, support economic growth in the region, and futureproof the highway for increased freight and autonomous vehicle readiness. With this project, the A-127 is poised to evolve from a dated provincial connector into a modern, high-capacity thoroughfare capable of handling tomorrow’s transport demands.
The A-127, while perhaps not a household name, plays a significant role in Spain’s secondary road network. Stretching through the agricultural heartland of Aragón, this corridor serves as a critical conduit between Zaragoza and smaller towns like Ejea de los Caballeros and Tauste. The road facilitates not only passenger traffic but also the transport of agricultural goods—a key economic driver in this part of Spain.
The reconstruction of this route is set to enhance intermunicipal connectivity and, just as crucially, improve access to Zaragoza’s wider logistics and commercial ecosystem. This ties in neatly with Spain’s ongoing infrastructure modernisation plan, which prioritises both environmental sustainability and regional cohesion.
Raphael de Tapol, Directeur Général of Assured Guaranty, commented: “This PPP transaction shows the value of our guarantee to major infrastructure sponsors seeking to issue cost-effective long-term debt for essential public sector infrastructure projects. The Aragon A-127 road project, which is part of the Aragon Regional Road Network Investment Plan, stimulates the local economy and provides the region with tangible societal benefits, improved connectivity and enhanced safety. We are proud to guarantee this financing for a project that reflects the best of public-private cooperation in the Spanish market.”
In a nod to the future, planners have ensured the upgraded A-127 will be fully compatible with the requirements of autonomous and connected vehicles. That means:
Integrated road sensors for monitoring traffic flow and conditions in real time
Upgraded road markings and signage optimised for machine vision systems
Reliable mobile network coverage, supporting vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications
These enhancements aren’t just flashy gimmicks; they’re essential. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) rely on precise, well-maintained infrastructure to safely operate. Roads designed with AVs in mind reduce accidents, support smoother traffic patterns, and lower vehicle emissions by minimising stop-start congestion.
According to a 2023 report by the European Commission, intelligent road infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in achieving net-zero transport emissions by 2050. This puts projects like the A-127 upgrade squarely at the intersection of transport safety and climate resilience.
The financing of this project follows a familiar but robust public-private model. While the construction risk lies with the private sector, Assured Guaranty’s financial guarantee provides bondholders with security and confidence.
Key Parties:
This layered approach spreads risk, enhances investor appeal, and leverages deep expertise across the legal and financial spectrum.
Assured Guaranty isn’t a stranger to large-scale transport infrastructure. With a strong track record of underwriting municipal and structured financings across Europe and North America, AGE’s involvement lends both credibility and rigour to the deal.
Raul Serrano, Managing Director, Infrastructure Finance of Assured Guaranty, commented: “The successful close of this project marks a significant milestone, not only for AGE, but also for the broader banking and investment sector in Spain. It demonstrates the value of our financial guarantee for lenders. We are especially pleased to have worked alongside these three banks and look forward to opportunities to work together in the future.”
Their investment-grade rating also reassures lenders and pension funds alike, making this type of infrastructure bond a popular choice for conservative portfolios.
Construction activities are slated to begin in the second half of 2025, following final environmental and engineering approvals. The concession will run for 25 years under a design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) contract. Local construction firms are expected to be heavily involved, spurring job creation in the region.
To mitigate environmental impacts, the project includes the planting of native vegetation along reconstructed verges, modern drainage solutions to prevent flooding, and noise-reducing asphalt mixes. In short, it won’t just be bigger; it’ll be smarter and greener too.
For the province of Zaragoza and the broader Aragón region, the road upgrade represents a transformative step.
Here’s what locals can expect:
Improved traffic safety, reducing accident rates along historically dangerous curves and narrow sections
Boosted local economies through better freight access to Zaragoza and international logistics corridors
Job creation, both during construction and ongoing maintenance phases
The A-127 also forms part of Spain’s effort to reverse rural depopulation. With better transport links, smaller towns become more attractive for families and businesses, injecting new life into ageing communities.
Across Europe, regional roads are finally stepping into the spotlight. After decades of underinvestment, the EU and its member states are acknowledging the strategic importance of sub-national transport links.
According to the European Investment Bank (EIB), regional infrastructure upgrades can deliver up to a 2.5x return on investment over 30 years when measured through productivity gains and economic output.
Spain, in particular, has embraced the idea of balanced development—investing in secondary routes like the A-127 to ensure no region is left behind. As climate adaptation and digital transformation take centre stage, these roads are becoming testbeds for smart mobility solutions.
The A-127 project is more than just tarmac and concrete; it’s a blueprint for sustainable, forward-thinking infrastructure. By weaving together safety, technology, environmental sensitivity, and regional development, it stands as a model for other regions seeking similar transformation.
With a rock-solid financial foundation, thanks to Assured Guaranty’s backing, and a comprehensive development plan, this project proves that infrastructure done right is still one of the best bets for long-term prosperity.
Highways Today - Road
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08 June 20256 min readSpain’S $108M A-127 Regional Road Upgrade Guaranteed By Assured Guaranty
Highways Today - Road
08 June 2025
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£225M Carlisle Southern Link Road Construction Makes Advances Amid Dry SpringGalliford Try’s construction of the Carlisle Southern Link Road made significant progress during May, with earthworks and structural development moving forward in the dry weather.
After enduring one of the wettest summers on record last year, the project has benefited from one of the driest springs in more than a century, according to the Met Office. This shift in weather has allowed work to accelerate on several key elements of the road.
Galliford Try’s work on the 8km road started in 2023 with 800,000t of bulk excavation, which was to be done over two summers. However, Galliford Try project manager Phil Robinson told NCE last year that the wet weather had delayed its 2024 earthworks from summer to “late autumn”.
“The nature of the clay ground we are working on means that if you get more than a couple of days of rain you have to pull off, so as to avoid damaging it,” explained Robinson at the time. “We’ve had some challenges around quality of the material and we’re doing a lot of onsite lime treatment to get it up to the appropriate quality for reuse.”
Fortunes have now changed for the project in 2025, Cumberland Council has reported in its latest update on the project.
Overview of the Carlisle Southern Link Road project
Surfacing work has commenced on the section of the new road between Burthwaite Road, beneath the newly constructed Stoneraise Bridge and the emerging Durdar Roundabout. This marks a notable step towards completing the route’s driving surface.
The largest structure on the project is the Caldew Crossing, a bridge over the Cumbrian Coastline Railway and the River Caldew. The three-span structure measures 170m in length, 18m in width and has 20m clearance over the river. Following the placement of all 18 weathering steel beams for the Caldew Crossing in January (pictured), a major milestone was achieved in May with the overnight concrete pour for the deck of the span over the railway. This operation places the project on schedule for subsequent deck pours in the coming months, ensuring the crossing structure’s timely progress.
Moreover, the construction of the road box between the M6 Junction 42 and Petteril Bridge has been completed and is visible from Newbiggin Road. This development forms part of the preparations for an imminent closure of Newbiggin Road, which will facilitate further work on the link road.
Seven of the planned eight ponds along the route have now been formed, with efforts underway to line and topsoil them. These water features are expected to be planted later in the year as part of the road’s environmental mitigation strategy.
The Carlisle Southern Link Road is a significant infrastructure undertaking designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity around the city.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government – formerly the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities – committed £212M towards the link road as it will support the construction of St Cuthbert’s Garden Village, comprising more than 10,000 homes, on farmland south of Carlisle city centre. Meanwhile, Cumberland Council has allocated £13.4M, including £3.4M from the future sale of council-owned land for the development.
The Carlisle Southern Link Road will also improve east to west connectivity by linking the radial highways south of the city – the A595 and the A6. It will also insert much-needed crossings of two railway lines and two rivers. But just as important are the facilities for active travel that the scheme includes.
There are four bridges planned for cyclists and pedestrians that will provide grade-separated crossings at junctions along the length of the route. These bridges will also facilitate connections into the active travel infrastructure that is part of the village masterplan. The scheme additionally includes five roundabouts and five road bridges.
As the project moves through its various construction phases, local authorities continue to monitor progress and weather impacts closely to meet planned deadlines.
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New Civil Engineer (Road)
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06 June 20254 min read£225M Carlisle Southern Link Road Construction Makes Advances Amid Dry Spring
New Civil Engineer (Road)
06 June 2025
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