Newsroad-bridgeUae Charts A Skybound Future With Air Corridors For Air Taxis And Cargo Drones
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Highway News
Feb 15, 2025Uae Charts A Skybound Future With Air Corridors For Air Taxis And Cargo Drones
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is charting a bold course into the future of urban transportation. In a ground-breaking move, the nation has embarked on mapping air corridors and crafting regulatory frameworks for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones.
This ambitious initiative, a collaboration between the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities, Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE—aims to revolutionize the movement of people and goods across urban landscapes.
Pioneering Advanced Air Mobility
Within the next 20 months, the UAE plans to delineate aerial corridors and establish comprehensive regulations, underscoring its commitment to deploying safe, advanced, and sustainable transportation solutions. These routes will seamlessly connect key international airports with iconic landmarks, integrating both piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones into the nation’s urban fabric.
His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, emphasized the significance of this development: “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of advanced air mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure.” This initiative not only aims to alleviate urban congestion but also aspires to set a global benchmark for future urban mobility systems.
Strategic Collaborations and Technological Expertise
The UAE’s forward-thinking approach is bolstered by TII’s proficiency in airspace management, ensuring the safe integration of these innovative aerial vehicles into bustling urban environments. Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration: “By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are enhancing urban connectivity and driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations.”
ASPIRE’s involvement further enriches the initiative by fostering a network of stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and researchers. Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE noted: “Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward.” This concerted effort aims to create a flexible and diverse transport system, easing pressure on traditional infrastructure and promoting smarter, more resilient cities.
Global Implications and Future Prospects
The UAE’s venture into advanced air mobility (AAM) is poised to position the nation as a global leader in next-generation transportation. The collaboration between GCAA, TII, and ASPIRE seeks to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency. Professor Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, elaborated: “At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision, and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones.” These technological advancements are crucial for optimizing routes, ensuring collision avoidance, and seamlessly integrating with urban airspace.
The announcement of this initiative during the World Government Summit 2025 underscores the UAE’s dedication to pioneering sustainable and efficient urban transportation solutions. As the nation progresses with air corridor mapping and regulatory development, it sets a precedent for other countries to follow, heralding a new era of urban mobility.
A Vision for Smarter Cities
The UAE’s proactive stance on integrating air taxis and cargo drones reflects a broader vision of smarter, interconnected urban centres. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, the nation is not only addressing current transportation challenges but also anticipating future needs.
This initiative exemplifies how innovative thinking and collaboration can lead to transformative solutions, paving the way for cities worldwide to reimagine their transportation infrastructures.
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Highway News
Cleaner, Greener, Safer: School Pupils Get Safety Boost From Road Safety InvestmentA local primary school in Manchester is among the first to benefit from an investment into road safety in efforts to better keep pupils safe.
Alma Park Primary School, based in Levenshulme, has welcomed an introduction of double yellow lines near the school for children and parents on the school run to avoid the dangers posed by unauthorised parked cars as well as cars travelling in and out of the area.
The local school has been the first to have the major new road safety measures installed as part of Manchester-wide project funding from Clean, Green, Safer, Investment Programme. The £15million investment project, which will be carried out over a three-year span, will improve factors such as local roads, green spaces and replacing all litter bins.
Around £2.2million of the investment will be exclusively used to continue improving road safety for children and parents. Whether they choose to walk, cycle or ride into school they can be assured that active travel in their communities will be supported by becoming cleaner, greener and safer.
Some areas will also get new double yellow lines, while others will see new bee-adorned bollards, guard rails outside busy schools and speed bumps all with the aim of fostering a safe environment for everyone.
The investment back into local communities is a wider push in recognising Manchester as a Child Friendly City where children feel safe to walk, wheel or cycle to school.
Following the double yellow lines being installed, Alma Park Primary School has seen a significant reduction in anti-social parking outside the school. Children and parents have reported feeling more confident in travelling to and from the school, now knowing they can comfortably be in the area without the dangers of unwarranted cars.
Find out more about the Clean and Green MCR Campaign including the investment programme and what is happening in your local area and how you can join us.
Councillor Tracy Rawlins, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said: “I am thrilled to see the installation of double yellow lines outside Alma Park Primary School and how it has already had an impressive impact on the safety of children and parents during the school run.
“This initiative, part of our Clean, Green, Safer Investment Programme, aims to improve general safety across the city and foster better community relations as we stem the flow of traffic and make areas feel safer for everyone. It’s great to see how this is also encouraging residents to actively walk or cycle to school.
“I look forward to seeing the continuation of this project and how we can instil confidence in other school communities in Manchester.”
Richard Williams, the Headmaster at Alma Park Primary School, said: “As a result of the double yellow lines more children can now more safely and confidently cycle, scoot or walk to school without the obstruction of parked cars on Errwood Road.
“We hope to see a reduction in air pollution around the school and I am very pleased to see the real-life benefit of the Council’s investment taking shape. We hope this will continue to encourage our community to embrace active travel.”
PIC-Manchester CCroad-bridge
12 March 2025
New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
All 91 Deck Planks Installed On Sunderland’S New Wear FootbridgeThe construction of the New Wear Footbridge in Sunderland has reached a significant milestone with the installation of the last of 91 deck planks, which will create the structure’s walking surface.
This bridge, designed to improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, is a vital element of the broader £1bn Riverside Sunderland development project.
The deck planks, measuring 10m in width, were installed by contractor VolkerStevin using a specially designed trolley system that enhances efficiency in the construction process. Each plank was lifted by crane from the southern riverside park and carefully placed onto the trolley, which transported it to the desired location on the bridge.
The bespoke trolley system, equipped with winches, played a pivotal role in the bridge’s construction, allowing workers to move from south to north and safely and precisely install the planks while providing access to the edges for secure placement.
The trolley system at work
After positioning, the planks were secured together
Now all planks are in position, they are being secured together using in-situ concrete to create a seamless deck surface. This is the first stage of the finishing works for the bridge.
Spanning over 250m and standing 30m above the River Wear, the New Wear Footbridge will serve as a crucial connection point between Sunderland city centre and the Sheepfolds area.
Upon completion, the footbridge is anticipated to significantly enhance pedestrian and cyclist access in Sunderland, aligning with the city’s goals for active travel and low carbon initiatives.
Placement of the 91 planks started in January
Sunderland City Council portfolio holder for business, housing and regeneration Kevin Johnston said: “The laying of the final plank is a significant milestone for this incredibly important project, which is a key part of Sunderland’s ongoing transformation.
“To get all 91 of these mammoth, steel reinforced pre-cast concrete deck planks put in place so quickly and efficiently in just over one month is testament to the skill and know-how of our partners at VolkerStevin, who are delivering this project that will provide a fantastic new link between a vibrant Keel Square and newly-created Sheepfolds neighbourhood.
“Sunderland has a proud history of construction and engineering innovation, so to see this tailor-made trolley working effortlessly, carrying tons of steel-reinforced concrete with such accuracy and precision in our city is a real point of pride.
“Credit must go to the crews who have worked tirelessly on the new footbridge. They worked throughout the storms that buffeted the UK, including Storm Eowyn that struck just as the deck plank installation operation was about to begin.
“I can’t wait to see this bridge open, as it will not only provide a vital link in our city, but it will also provide a bird’s eye view of the ongoing development of Riverside Sunderland, the most exciting urban regeneration project in the UK.”
VolkerStevin project manager Will Davies said: “Reaching this milestone is a fantastic achievement for the entire team. Installing the final deck plank marks a significant step towards the completion of this landmark structure. Despite challenging weather conditions, the team has worked tirelessly to keep progress on track, and we’re excited to see the bridge take its final shape in the coming months.”
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11 March 2025
Highway News
Cambridgeshire: Busway Timetable Changes As Congestion Hits HomeCambridgeshire’s biggest bus operator has called for more to be done to tackle congestion, after it was forced to adjust its Busway timetables to give more time for buses to get through the traffic in Cambridge.
The changes, which will come into effect from Sunday 20 April, with Busway Service B seeing minor timetable updates at peak times due to congestion in the city and Service A will now travelling to St Ives via Park Terrace instead of Gonville Place. In St Ives, it will no longer serve the Industrial Estate and will instead start and finish at the first and last stops on Marley Road. Off-peak, the frequency of the A Service to and from Marley Road will now be every 30 minutes.
For Service 5, the 5:30pm trip from Cambridge will now terminate at Longstanton.
Ross Barton (pictured), Operations Director at Stagecoach East, said: “We only ever make changes to our timetables after considering every option, but the fact is that congestion in and out of Cambridge means that our buses just cannot meet the times set on existing timetables.
“We know what an important artery the Busway is for people needing to travel into Cambridge, so I would call on everyone concerned with our local roads to continue to work together to avoid delays.
“We live and operate in a dynamic, forward-looking city, and the Busway is an essential part of that, so we need to make sure that buses are able to get through.”road-bridge
11 March 2025
Highway News
£175 Million Green-Lit To Improve Roads And Public Transport In The East MidlandsThe East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board has approved nearly £175 million in funding for transport in the region in the next year (2025/26) – with a further £19m also being consider down the line. £88 million of this funding is new to the region and is thanks to the East Midlands having a regional Mayor and a Combined County Authority.
As we reported last month, the money will be used for urgent road repairs, better transport connections, and projects that help people travel by foot or bike and will be divided between EMCCA and four local councils, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
EMCCA will manage funding for large regional projects, such as junction improvement works which are a key planning condition for enabling the new A50 junction (South Derby Growth Zone). Plus, EMCCA funding willsupport the works on the A614/A6097 scheme (Nottinghamshire). A commissioned study will start the work to review the potential for expanding the Nottingham Express Transit system to support housing and job growth.
Notable Projects:
* Derby City Council will receive funding for several key projects, including the A52/A52T Spondon Interchange to allow better traffic flow and support active travel initiatives, making it easier and safer forpedestrians and cyclists.
* Nottingham City Council will focus on improving major roads for walking and cycling, as well as upgrading real-time parking information systems.
* Derbyshire County Council will invest in repairing roads and works to help prevent landslips, particularly on key routes. * Nottinghamshire County Council will focus on maintaining and upgrading its roads, along with planning for future transport projects.
Funding Allocations:
* £66 million for City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements 2 (CRSTS2): This funding will support road repairs, improvements to highways, and projects to make walking, cycling, and public transport easier.
* £21 million for Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP): This funding will be used to make bus services more reliable, affordable, and accessible across the East Midlands.
* £75 million for Highways Maintenance Block: EMCCA will receive this funding, £22m of which, is extra money the region is getting because it has a Mayoral Combined Authority. This will go on road repairs in2025/26.
* £12.86 million for Integrated Transport Block Funding: EMCCA is expecting this funding to deliver activities across the local transport network.
* £7.27 million for Active Travel Fund: The region has been awarded this funding to improve walking, wheeling and cycling and infrastructure.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a huge step forward for transport in the East Midlands. We want to investing millions to build a better, more connected future for our communities. This funding w make a real difference to everyday lives, making travel easier, safer, and more reliable, whether by bus, bike, oron foot, while also tackling much-needed road repairs.
“By working closely with our local councils and partners, we will ensure every pound is spent wisely to improve transport links, reducecongestion, and support greener, more sustainable ways to travel. This is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about connecting people to opportunities, whether that’s jobs, skills training, education, orour fantastic local attractions.
“Our ambition is clear: to create a transport system that not only meets the needs of today but also lays the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous East Midlands in the future. We want this region to be a place where people and businesses can thrive, and this funding, when approved, will be a major step toward achieving that vision.”road-bridge
11 March 2025
roads & bridges
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Issues Permit For Key Bridge RebuildThe reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge took a major step forward Wednesday as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, issued a permit for its rebuild.
The approval grants the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) the ability to move forward with replacing the bridge, which connected the Interstate 695 Beltway before its collapse last year.
The announcement comes just weeks before the one-year anniversary of the tragic March 26, 2024, incident, when the cargo ship Dali struck the bridge, causing it to fall into the Patapsco River.
Six construction workers lost their lives in the disaster.
“Less than one year after the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore District is proud to have provided fair and efficient permitting efforts to enable the construction of a new bridge,” said Col. Francis Pera, commander of the Baltimore District, in a statement.
Geotechnical investigations are ongoing, with test pile operations, pier demolition, and trestle construction set to begin this summer, according to the Army Corps.
In-water construction is expected to commence by early fall 2025. The project will also require additional permit verification from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told WTOP the estimated cost of the new bridge is nearly $2 billion, with completion expected by 2028.
Source: WTOP News, Yahoo Newsroad-bridge
10 March 2025
Highway News
Cambridgeshire Busway Set For Improved Sunday ServiceThe Cambridgeshire Busway will see an improved service from April – with buses running up to every 15 minutes.
The changes, which will come into effect from Sunday 20 April, will see Service A increase from hourly to every 15 minutes from St Ives Park and Ride to Cambridge City Centre. This improves the frequency and capacity from St Ives Park and Ride and Orchard Park to Cambridge City Centre. This will replace some journeys on Service B, which will now run hourly.
David Boden, Director of Business Development at Stagecoach East, said: “We are delighted for our loyal Busway customers that they will now be able to access a service every 15 minutes on Sundays. The Busway really is a wonderful way both to get into Cambridge and also to get out into our lovely countryside, maybe to go for a family meal or walk on a Sunday.
“The Busway runs right through some of the most beautiful countryside in our region, and is an easy and great value way to get out and about. Watching the scenery go by as you travel between Cambridge, St Ives, and Huntingdon is a wonderful way to spend time.”
Pic: Stagecoachroad-bridge
10 March 2025
roads & bridges
Florida Bridge Construction Delayed Until SpringConstruction on the Little Pine Island Bridge in Matlacha, Fla. has been extended into spring, state officials announced, prolonging traffic congestion and business disruptions on Pine Island.
The bridge, the only route on and off Pine Island, has been under construction since June of last year.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) originally planned to complete phase one by now, which would have reopened both lanes. However, delays have pushed the timeline back, and no exact completion date has been given.
To speed up progress, FDOT has increased construction resources and added night shifts where feasible.
“We recognize the importance of completing this project as soon as possible,” said an FDOT spokesperson to Gulf Coast News. “While every effort is being made to expedite the project, safety remains our top priority.”
Despite these efforts, traffic backups continue to frustrate residents and tourists. Local business owners, including Cindee Tolliver of Trader’s Hitching Post, have felt the financial impact.
“It’s just like a punch to the gut,” said Tolliver in a statement to Gulf Coast News. “The last time I had a December this bad was 1997.”
FDOT officials addressed concerns at a recent public meeting, promising to keep business owners informed while working to minimize disruptions. However, with no firm completion date in place, many residents and business owners remain skeptical about when relief will come.
Until then, the island community must continue navigating long commutes and economic setbacks as they await the bridge’s long-overdue completion.
Source: Gulf Coast News, B1039.comroad-bridge
07 March 2025
New Civil Engineer (Bridge)
Construction Of Finland’S Biggest Bridge Sees Completion Of 135M-Tall Diamond-Form PylonConstruction on Finland’s tallest and longest bridge has reached a crucial milestone with the completion of its distinctive 135m tall diamond-form pylon.
This key structural feature is part of the Kruunusillat (Crown Bridges) scheme in Helsinki, designed by Knight Architects and engineering consultancy WSP Finland.
The 1.2km long bridge will link Helsinki’s city centre with the new island suburb of Laajasalo, a move aimed at facilitating the development of a new waterside community.
The primary feature of the main span, the Kruunuvuorensilta crossing, includes a slender 135m diamond-shaped pylon that supports two cable-stayed spans, each measuring 250m in length.
The pylon's diamond-shaped design not only serves a structural purpose but also pays homage to the historical crown ownership of the Helsinki bay area
Currently, cables are being affixed to the pylon, after which the temporary supports will be removed.
The diamond-shaped design not only serves a structural purpose but also pays homage to the historical crown ownership of the Helsinki bay area, and it is anticipated to become a recognisable symbol of the city. Upon completion, it will stand as the tallest bridge structure in Finland.
In a notable departure from traditional bridge designs, the Kruunusillat project will be car-free, instead supporting a new light rail line that will enhance connectivity to Helsinki’s tram network, as well as providing pathways for cyclists and pedestrians.
This initiative aligns with Helsinki’s broader sustainability goals, which include a vision to become a car-free city by 2030. Around £1bn worth or expansions to its tram network are in different stages of development.
The bridge will be car-free, instead supporting a new light rail line and providing pathways for cyclists and pedestrians
The Laajasalo area is being master-planned as a largely car-free community to encourage sustainable public transport and active mobility.
Knight Architects and WSP Finland were awarded the project after winning an international design competition in 2013. Construction began in late 2021, and the project is set for completion later this year.
Construction started in 2021 and is expected to be completed this year
Knight Architects director Tom Osborne said: “We have been working on Kruunusillat for over a decade, so it’s fantastic to have reached this critical milestone in its delivery. The distinctive diamond now provides Helsinki with an instantly recognisable addition to its skyline, that we hope soon comes to symbolise not only the identity of this wonderful city, but it’s continued efforts to shift to sustainable transport modes.
“At Knight Architects, we strive to design bridges that do much more than just connect A to B. We aim to create beautiful structures that respect and enhance their environment and generate lasting value, and Kruunusillat is a great example of that approach in action.”
All photos by Aarni Salomaa and provided by Knight Architects
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07 March 2025
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 2025roads & bridges
Construction To Begin On Wilbur Dam Road Bridge In TennesseeThe Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will begin construction this month on a new bridge over Wilbur Dam Road in Carter County, Tenn. The project aims to improve safety and reliability for vehicles traveling over Wilbur Reservoir and ensure continued access to the Watauga Dam recreation area.
The existing bridge, originally assembled in 1942 from a repurposed railroad bridge dating back to the 1890s, is load-restricted and requires annual inspections.
The new bridge will be built adjacent to the current structure before its removal to minimize disruptions to residents and visitors, TVA officials said.
“This investment in a new Wilbur Dam Road bridge will ensure safe and reliable access for recreation around the Watauga Dam area for many years to come, supporting the local economy through ongoing recreation visitors,” TVA said in a statement.
The new bridge will also be designed to accommodate large-scale hydro-maintenance equipment necessary for maintaining the clean-energy-producing dam.
TVA previously conducted an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act, including public input sessions and consultations with regulatory agencies such as the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
During construction, TVA said residents and drivers can expect occasional lane restrictions and heavy equipment traffic.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider, serving over 10 million people in seven Southeastern states while supporting economic development and energy reliability through infrastructure investments.
Source: WJHL News, Elizabethton Starroad-bridge
06 March 2025Highway 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 2025Highway 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 2025Highway 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 2025roads & bridges
Federal Pause Halts Cape Fear Memorial Bridge FundingFederal funding for the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge in Wilmington, N.C. has been temporarily paused following a freeze at the federal level, impacting a previously awarded $242 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Communications Officer Andrew Barksdale confirmed the pause to WECT News and said the department is working with federal partners to determine when the grant could move forward.
Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Mike Kozlosky previously told WECT on Feb. 24 that the project would not be significantly affected. However, Wilmington City Council members were notified of the funding halt just before their Feb. 27 meeting.
“This is a pretty significant pause for a pretty significant amount of money for a much-needed transportation initiative,” said Bill Saffo, Wilmington Mayor, in a statement. “We hope that the money will be there, but right now, who knows?”
Despite concerns, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina reassured that the funding remains under review but is not at risk of removal.
NCDOT Board of Transportation Representative Landon Zimmer echoed the sentiment, saying funding reviews are common during administrative transitions and that work on the project will continue.
The project’s estimated cost has also risen to $1.1 billion from $450 million, largely due to inflation.
Federal agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are set to determine the bridge’s height by March 2025, with environmental documents expected to be completed by 2026.
Source: WECT News, WilmingtonBiz.comroad-bridge
06 March 2025Highway 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 2025Highway 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 2025New 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 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 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 2025