2026 VOL. 4
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DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE & MANAGEMENT OF THE WORLD’S ROAD NETWORKS
GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE The new Canada–US crossing opens
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2026 VOL. 3
DIGITAL INSIGHTS
CONTRAFLOW
Protecting historic infrastructure
A selection of the editor’s top stories from this month’s online and social media channels.
As infrastructure ages, protecting historic structures from the demands of modern traffic becomes increasingly important.
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EDITOR, Mike Woof Mike.Woof@prime globalpublishing.com
“Too many drivers ignore well-signposted weight, width or height restrictions over or under certain bridges, stretches of road or in tunnels.”
Editorial
Editor Mike Woof mike.woof@ primeglobalpublishing.com Deputy Editor David Arminas david.arminas@ primeglobalpublishing.com Editorial Contributors Shem Oirere, Kristina Smith, Mauro Nogarin, Eugene Gerden, Partha Basistha, Lucio Garofolo
he Menai Suspension Bridge in Wales is a gem of civil engineering. Designed by the famous engineer Thomas Telford and completed in 1826, it was only the second suspension bridge in the world intended to carry traffic, coming only six years after the Union Chain Bridge spanning the River Tweed and linking Scotland with England. The Menai Suspension Bridge is Grade I listed due to its historic significance and is quite rightly the subject of regular maintenance and improvement works. A feature on the extensive maintenance being carried out on the bridge by contractor UK Highways A55 was published in the previous issue of Global Highways. The fact this 200-year-old structure and was never designed for modern traffic presents challenges. The bridge has been closed at periods to allow the contractor to complete certain portions of work. While the works have enabled reopening with restrictions, the bridge is subject to a 7.5-tonne limit and traffic-management measures. The work is focused on stabilising and preserving the structure, including repairs, repainting and lighting upgrades. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027, with disruption kept to a minimum. But in spite of its importance, some drivers of large vehicles still fail to heed the bridge’s all-important weight limit, which has resulted in a number of closures. That such a historic structure should be put at risk by the actions of some drivers too impatient to use alternative routes is especially disappointing. The issue highlights a wider problem: too many drivers ignore wellsignposted weight, width or height restrictions over or under certain bridges, stretches of road or in tunnels. Many roads, particularly on key arterial routes, have automatic detection systems that will display warnings when an over-height vehicle approaches. But drivers often forge on regardless, causing traffic delays when large trucks get jammed under bridges or at tunnel entrances. Blaming GPS for selecting inappropriate routes for large vehicles does not carry weight (no pun intended) as a suitable excuse. Protecting vital transport infrastructure is essential. It begs the question as to how best to get the message across.
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Cover image Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
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CONTENTS 2026 VOL. 4
03 CONTRAFLOW
As infrastructure ages, protecting historic structures from the demands of modern traffic becomes increasingly important.
06 NEWS
A new interstate bridge will link Oregon and Washington; Herrenknecht is supplying the massive TBM for the Lower Thames Crossing in the UK; construction is underway for the massive Itaparica Bridge in Brazil.
09 CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
20 32 HIGHWAYS AND SAFETY ASPHALT PLANTS New road studs give guidance; successful barrier test; safety benefits from new technology; connected vehicles provide driver alerts; sophisticated technology for e-bike segment.
Premium content
26 TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
The new Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Canada and the US is now open, providing a major new cross-border crossing for traffic and freight. (Image: Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority)
Topcon is offering new capabilities for its 3D-MC package; sophisticated technology from Leica Geosystems; Trimble’s AI reality capture; bridge monitoring with Ommatidia; faster project delivery using Komatsu Smart Construction
14 IRF
Infrastructure needs to be rethought for future mobility; the IRF Global 2026 conference will reflect the sector’s rapid transformation.
18 KEY PROJECT
The Brent Spence Corridor upgrade will transform transport for Cincinnati, Ohio. (Image: Jacobs)
40 CONCRETE PLANTS
An SBM concrete plant increases output for Austrian facility; new Rapidmix plant in Ireland for Breedon’s bypass project; Elba plant to self service.
34 EARTHMOVING
Volvo CE unveiled a range of new machines and technologies at Volvo Days 2026, including an awardwinning articulated hauler. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
Volvo CE president Melker Jernberg sat down with Global Highways to discuss the company’s history and its vision for a better future.
30 AIRPORT PAVING
Construction machines from the Wirtgen Group have repaved the runway at Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, DC. (Image: Wirtgen Group)
Hitachi offers a compact, long-reach excavator; Simex expands its attachment range. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
48 ONSITE
Autonomous excavation has moved from demonstration to the real world, with a Develon autonomous excavation being used in Switzerland.
50 SKIDMARKS
Further humorous road-related stories from around the world.
THINK OUT OF THE BOX: When excavated material becomes an asset, every cubic metre counts or costs
28 INTERVIEW
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Ammann asphalt plant in Taiwan is increasing efficiency; Ciber plant in Brazil boosts output; new E-MAK plants for the UK; productive plant for East Peckham; Heidelberg plant in Wales fuelled by hydrogen.
46 EQUIPMENT
42 RECYCLING
A plant from Kleemann is helping a German contractor turn reclaimed asphalt pavement into high-quality material for new asphalt mixes.
44 UTILITY EQUIPMENT
MICROSURFACING: Rethinking Pavement Preservation
Urbanisation remains the strongest driver of the global electric mini excavator market, and equipment and battery makers are rising to meet demand. GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 4
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NEWS
NEW US$15 BILLION INTERSTATE BRIDGE TO CONNECT OREGON AND WASHINGTON
A new crossing will replace the existing dual bridges that carry I-5 across the Columbia River. (Image: Jpldesigns/Dreamstime.com)
Biggest Herrenknecht TBM for £11 billion UK project German specialist manufacturer Herrenknecht will supply the tunnel boring machine (TBM) that will bore the drives for the UK’s Lower Thames Crossing project. Costing up to £11 billion, the crossing will feature twin bore tunnels measuring 4.2km, with the entire length of the project, including connecting roads, stretching 23km. Herrenknecht will supply the project with a 16.4m diameter variable-density TBM, said to be the largest of its kind ever built. Weighing up to 5000 tonnes, the TBM will be around 120m in length and will be delivered to the project site by sea. It will start its first drive at Tilbury in Essex and, once completed, the TBM will be turned around to carry out the second drive from the Kent side. The TBM has been ordered by the Bouygues Travaux Publics– Murphy Joint Venture, which is building the tunnel for the Lower Thames Crossing. The machine has been designed for the ground conditions, which include London clay and chalk. The project is required because the existing Dartford Crossing, featuring two tunnels and a cable-stayed bridge, is highly congested. The new tunnel bores will cut journey times for drivers for this key UK transport corridor.
The Herrenknecht TBM will start its drive for the first bore of the Lower Thames Crossing from Tilbury. (Image: Jason Salmon/Dreamstime.com)
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Progress is being made on the project to replace the I-5 Interstate bridge connecting Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, with the project expected to could cost up to US$15 billion. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have completed their environmental review of the project, while Federal funding worth US$5.7 billion has been secured. Washington State Department of Transportation and
Oregon Department of Transportation are working together and planning the tender process, which is expected to start in 2027. Construction will then commence in 2028. The work is much needed, as the existing crossing is vulnerable to earthquakes and no longer meets capacity or safety requirements. With the current northbound bridge opened in 1917 and the southbound in 1958, both structures are close to the end of their operational use.
KEY IRAQ HIGHWAY LINK COMPLETE
MOROCCO NAMES HIGHWAY AFTER US PRESIDENT
Construction work is finished on a 62km highway section in Iraq connecting Al Faw Grand Port and Umm Qasr. The project is a key aspect of the $17 billion 1200km highway that will link Al Faw Grand Port in southern Iraq to the port of Mesrin in north Turkey. Work on the new highway has been carried out by Daewoo Engineering and Construction. The project cost $440 million and included building two new bridges, measuring 800m and 400m, as well as a new interchange.
The new highway link connects Basrah in Iraq with Faw Port. (Image: Dynamoland/ Dreamstime.com)
Morocco’s road transport network has been expanded significantly in recent years. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
Morocco’s 1055km Tiznit–Dakhla Expressway will carry the name of US president following a royal decree issued by King Mohammed VI. The route will be called the Donald J. Trump Highway. The road, which runs along Morocco’s Atlantic Coast and will provide a connection between the towns of Tiznit and Dakhla in western Sahara, will cost around $1 billion to construct. Naming the highway after the US president follows the development of stronger political and economic relations between Morocco and the US.
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NEWS
Brazil’s US$2.2 billion Itaparica Island bridge Construction has commenced for the 12.4km bridge planned to connect Itaparica Island with mainland Brazil. Coming in at a cost of more than US$2.2 billion, the new bridge will span the Bay of All Saints and replace the ferry service, reducing journey times and providing an economic boost to the area. The project is being carried out as a public–private partnership (PPP), with the concessionaire providing around half of the funding. Close to 25% of the funding will be provided by Bahia state and 25% will be provided by the Brazil Government. The concessionaire comprises China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and China Civil Engineering
Construction Corporation (CCECC). The Chinese consortium is carrying out design, construction, operation and maintenance. Although located in Brazil, the project forms part of the Chinese Government’s Belt and Road infrastructure development programme. The cable-stayed bridge will be the longest sea crossing in Latin America, and the second longest bridge for Brazil. A consortium comprising Maia Melo and SYSTRA Brazil is handling project management and supervising and reviewing the detailed design being jointly carried out by Concremat and Sener for the Chinese concessionaire consortium.
The new bridge link to Itaparica Island will replace the ageing ferry service. (Image: Joa Souza/Dreamstime.com)
SAUDI ARABIA’S US$27.8 BILLION ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN Saudi Arabia is planning for the future with its major programme of strategic infrastructure investments. A US$147 billion spending programme is planned, with US$27.8 billion designated for expanding and improving the country’s road network. New highway links will boost transport connections between the major population centres. Mobility will be improved and journey times reduced. The country is also taking steps to increase safety levels for road users with the introduction of the latest technology across the network.
Tunnel boring work complete for south Italy highway
Webuild has completed the drive for the longest tunnel on the Ionian Highway in south Italy. (Image: Webuild)
Contractor Webuild has completed the drive of the Trebisacce Tunnel in south Italy. This is the longest tunnel of the Third Mega Lot of the Jonica, or Ionian, State Road (SS106), which it is building for ANAS (FS Italiane Group). Measuring 3.3km, the twin tube tunnel is one of the most technically complex parts of the project. The new tunnel will allow traffic to bypass the hilly inland area and urban centres. Webuild also completed the Avena and Straface viaducts. The Avena, which spans 660m between Albidona and Amendolara, features a deck supported by four piers, two of which have a distinctive V-shape. Work is also proceeding on the Annunziata Viaduct, which is approximately 1km long. The Third Mega Lot project includes 13 tunnels totalling 10km and 16 viaducts for a combined length of 7km. It features four interchanges, which provide connections to the existing road network. Meanwhile, construction work is starting for the Pedemontana Piemontese highway in northern Italy, a new link that will boost transport for the industrial areas of Eastern Piedmont. The project is also being carried out by Webuild for ANAS (FS Italiane Group). The road link will provide a new connection between the A4 Turin– Milan and A26 Genoa Voltri–Gravellona Toce highways along the corridor between Masserano and Ghemme. The 6km highway will include six viaducts, one of which will span 820m over the Sesia River. There will also be six overpasses, four interchanges, six underpasses, hydraulic and environmental mitigation and a new toll station.
NEW TUNNEL FOR NEW DELHI
A new US$740 million road tunnel proposed for India’s capital would feature three lanes in either direction, connecting Nelson Mandela Road with the Delhi– Gurugram Expressway. The project is part of a wider plan to reduce traffic delays in
and around New Delhi. Projects already carried out include the Dwarka Expressway and Delhi– Meerut Expressway. It forms part of a broader push to expand the city’s road network. Another project is for the fourlane, 32km expressway between Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Noida International Airport at Jewar.
A new tunnel proposed for New Delhi is designed to help cut congestion. (Image: Guyn/Dreamstime.com)
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in transport infrastructure. (Image: Wajd Ramadan/Dreamstime.com)
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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
New machine control software
Topcon is offering new capabilities for its 3D-MC package.
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opcon’s heavy construction equipment central platform, 3D-MC machine control software, now benefits from new functionalities made possible through updated configurations. The 3D-MC Edge tool is a new feature that focuses on a machine’s cutting edge. Boosting accuracy and responsiveness, this configuration suits machines such as bulldozers, tractor scrapers, tow-behind scrapers and box blades. For contractors with machinery not equipped with machine control, this economical technology puts them close to grade without undercutting or overfilling, saving finishing time and improving efficiency. New updates for excavators include functionalities for ease of use, safety and productivity. Slope Control automatically adjusts the bucket’s tilt and rotation angles based on the digital design surface model. The system uses 3D design to guide the attachment to the correct orientation, allowing work to be carried out more quickly and with better quality, maximising tilt rotator efficiency and increasing uptime while reducing errors. Hybrid Lock switches between local positioning system (LPS) tracking using robotic total stations and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) tracking to maintain continuous, accurate machine guidance. It is designed to prevent downtime when the robotic total station loses its line of sight to the prism, a common issue on active job sites where the robot can be temporarily blocked, allowing work to carry on uninterrupted. Load Weighing is an onboard system for excavators that increases safety and reduces wear and tear on trucks and trailers. Weighing material as it is loaded in the truck prevents overloading, boosts safety and lowers fuel costs. Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion
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Topcon is offering sophisticated new capabilities for its advanced 3D-MC machine control package. (Image: Topcon Positioning Systems)
Meanwhile, the GTS-M1 robotic total station for machine control tracks a 360° prism mounted on heavy construction equipment for LPS. It is beneficial for precision-intensive applications, such as grading, milling and paving for road construction, or in environments where satellite-based positioning is not feasible. The GTS-M1 is also a valuable part of Hybrid Lock functionality. Improved site safety is possible with the Awareness System, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology that uses using digital cameras mounted to construction vehicles to detect movement or obstructions that could cause an accident or conflict. Awareness System provides blind-spot detection with alerts sent to the operator and the cloud portal. It features user-configurable zones of influence that help the operator avoid accidents and create records for accident analysis. Finally, Site Manager is a cloud-management system for machine control construction solutions that enables remote control, data sharing, and work order creation for connected solutions. Its functions include sending design data, retrieving measured productivity data, and creating work orders for granular follow-up on completed work. The software is compatible with ISO 15143-4 and allows the user to connect mixed fleets and weighing solutions. For loaders, the LM-1000 load weighing system is designed to increase safety and improve operational efficiency. The onboard system weighs material as it is loaded in the truck, helping to prevent overloading, reduce risk for those involved in machine management, and lower fuel costs and tyre wear. Loads and stockpile movements are tracked and recorded for robust accounting, reported in Site Manager.
Topcon: www.topconpositioning.com GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.4
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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Sophisticated 3D tool
Leica Geosystems is introducing a new 3D laser scanning tool. Leica Geosystems is offering its all-new Leica RTC series of terrestrial laser scanners – the Leica RTC300, 500, and 700 – which deliver improvements in scanning speed, accuracy and range. These new tools also
benefit from real-time workflow connectivity that keeps field and office teams aligned from first scan to final deliverable. The new RTC series combines the speed, capability and versatility of the Leica RTC360
with the robustness and accuracy of the ScanStation P-Series. This allows specialised workflows across surveying, construction and infrastructure. The system includes three performance tiers based on
the same platform. As projects grow in size and demand, users can upgrade to a higher performance tier without replacing their system. With the new RTC series, scanning, registration and datasharing become one continuous process: 3D data moves between field, cloud and office. The Livelink tool in Leica Cyclone FIELD 360 streams scan data to Hexagon GeoCloud as it is captured. Multiple scanners can feed into one shared project in real time. Teams can reduce rework by confirming they have covered the entire site before the field crew leaves.
Leica Geosystems: https://leica-geosystems.com A new scanning tool is available from Leica Geosystems. (Image: Leica Geosystems)
Machine control option for dozers
Hyundai Construction Equipment and Leica Geosystems have extended the 3D machine control offering to the HD130A series dozers. The Leica MC1 3D machine guidance system is now available as an after-market option for Hyundai HD130A series dozers. All 2D and 3D configurations are supported, helping contractors improve grading accuracy and reduce rework and material waste, while integrating advanced machine control into workflows. Building on an existing partnership, this after-market kit allows Hyundai operators to benefit from advanced machine
control technologies. Whether using on-cab set-ups, dual laser systems, total positioning stations (TPS) or dual global navigation satellite system (GNSS) on-blade configurations, operators can choose the solution that suits their site and workflow. “By extending the Leica MC1 3D machine control system to our HD130A series dozers, we are giving our customers even more flexibility on site and a clear path to
adopt advanced machine control across their Hyundai fleet,” Hyundai Construction Equipment product manager Peter Sebold said. The Leica MC1 3D system provides dozer operators real-time cut and fill guidance based on the design model, removing guesswork and reducing the need for rework. Contractors benefit from faster production, consistent accuracy, and the ability to get to grade in fewer passes.
Through established service teams and dealer networks, Hyundai dozers can be equipped with the Leica MC1 3D after-market kit as a simple retrofit, providing a scalable upgrade that integrates quickly into existing digital workflows, with minimal downtime and cost. “The partnership expands the availability of advanced machine control technology, enabling contractors to standardise digital workflows across their fleets and benefit from Leica Geosystems’ ecosystem of solutions, including Leica ConX cloud-based collaboration and easy-to-use stakeout solutions for foremen,” Leica Geosystems president machine control division Martin Verdurmen said.
Leica Geosystems: https://leica-geosystems.com Customers for the Hyundai D130 dozer can now select 3D machine control technology from Leica Geosystems. (Image: Leica Geosystems)
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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Advanced bridge monitoring
A sophisticated tool from Ommatidia allows users to track bridge health.
Ommatidia said its new LiDAR (light detection and ranging) Q-series LDV system allows engineers to recover condition and movement data from a bridge without installing bonded strain gauges. For beam-like, bendingdominated sections, these displacement profiles can be converted into curvature and surface-strain indicators using Euler-Bernoulli beam assumptions. That makes the workflow useful as a fast-screening path for bridge behaviour when the geometry and structural model are appropriate. Multiple points are measured simultaneously along the same visible bridge line while the
A new system from Ommatidia offers sophisticated bridge monitoring capabilities. (Image: Ommatidia)
workflow remains remote, reducing surface preparation and access work. Displacement, curvature and strain remain linked in the same interpretation chain and oneline deployment is efficient for bending-led spans, while a second view can be added where axial terms matter.
Ommatidia: https://ommatidia-lidar.com
Innovative software solutions Trimble is expanding its portfolio of sophisticated software solutions and tools.
Trimble’s ProjectSight 360 Capture is now available for customers across North America, the UK and Ireland. The new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered reality capture capability within ProjectSight software provides a more connected, visual way to monitor and manage jobsite progress. By integrating 360° capture and analysis technology in ProjectSight and the Trimble Connect common data environment, 360 Capture transforms site imagery into a cloud-based project record. The software allows on-site teams to record imagery with a 360° camera such as the Insta360. AI automatically documents and maps images to architectural drawings, generating a centralised timeline of construction progress. The solution also connects imagery to project workflows such as requests for information
(RFIs), change orders and issue tracking, enabling teams across the office and the field to collaborate efficiently and resolve problems. Trimble also now offers an integration with the Work Number from Equifax to provide automated income and employment verifications relying on payroll data. Users of Trimble Vista and Trimble Spectrum financial management software can boost efficiency to a manual process with verification services from Equifax at no additional cost. The Work Number provides verifiers access to income and employment information at all times to assist with weekend or after-hour needs. This allows employees to access income and employment verification information via a single request. In addition, Trimble has signed an agreement to acquire Document Crunch, a provider
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Trimble is expanding its portfolio of construction solutions. (Image: Trimble)
of construction-specific AI document analysis and risk management. The deal allows Trimble to incorporate document intelligence and compliance automation across the Trimble Construction ecosystem, which will enhance workflows in project management and construction enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Document Crunch’s purposebuilt AI for construction addresses issues such as critical risk provisions, payment issues, specification non-compliance and notification failures. The addition of Document Crunch complements Trimble’s focus on solving discrete, high-value business problems.
Trimble: www.trimble.com/en
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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Using the technology from Smart Construction can deliver projects faster, more efficiently and with better results. (Image: Smart Construction)
Technology can speed project delivery The latest technology from Smart Construction helps to speed up the delivery of housing and associated transport infrastructure.
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he use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered planning tools is allowing technology to overcome construction and infrastructure delivery challenges. As policymakers focus on removing planning bottlenecks, Smart Construction believes innovation must be applied onsite to speed up project delivery.
Experts at the digital arm of Komatsu point out that automation and technological integration are key factors in unlocking productivity and shortening project timelines. Earthworks company Tru Earthworks has transformed site efficiency and reduced housing delivery timelines through the adoption
Using the latest generation connected Komatsu machines further enhances the capabilities of the Smart Construction tools. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
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of Smart Construction’s technology across 27 UK housing projects, including the associated road networks. Tru Earthworks improved its drone surveying by deploying Smart Construction Edge software, which enables realtime processing. Rather than waiting to return to the office, data is processed immediately, even while travelling between sites, saving time for engineers. The software also reduces the need for manual point cloud clean-up, while helping surveyors and engineers avoid hazardous on-foot surveys. Tru Earthworks operates nationwide on mixed earthworks projects, with individuals conducting up to five full site surveys a week. Prior to the adoption of the Smart Construction Edge technology, these surveys were conducted manually and briefly by drone. A full progress measurement took up to four hours, not including the time needed to process and stitch the data into usable surveying outputs. The
use of drone-led technology and the Smart Construction Edge software means site managers can now complete surveys in as little an hour. “By adopting new technologies, the team can save days of work and accelerate the delivery of homes across multiple sites at once,” Tru Earthworks engineer Tristan Rumsby said. “Although not the sole blocker or delay in the construction process, the application of Edge and the significant time it can save means prioritising business-critical output tasks – slashing unproductive hours and increasing delivery. “As a team, we find the automated object removal capabilities to be a great time saver. Manual editing of point clouds requires a significant amount of time, but through the Edge we can automatically remove machinery and nonterrain elements, providing an accurate overview of the ground. “As well as positively impacting productivity, coupling the Edge software with the Dashboard solution from Smart Construction creates seamless collaboration across the business.” The time savings achieved by Tru Earthworks demonstrate how integrating digital tools into established workflows can help address wider productivity challenges across the construction sector. “At Smart Construction, we’re committed to speeding up delivery options for the UK,” Smart Construction senior commercial manager Bart Vingerhoets said. “Each product in our solution suite is designed to create better efficiencies for those in the industry, and the work from Tru7 is a fantastic example of its application.”
Smart Construction: smartconstruction.io
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Two Meetings. One Industry Moving Forward. Be in the room as the global tolling community comes together to exchange ideas, build partnerships and shape what’s next. Join us in Montréal for a global perspective on the forces transforming road mobility—then in Arlington for IBTTA’s flagship annual gathering, where industry leaders turn insight into action.
Choose your meeting. Register today. Global Tolling Summit September 23 - 26, 2026 Montreal, QB, Canada
94th Annual Meeting & Exhibition November 12 - 15, 2026 Arlington, TX
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Explore the future of tolling through global perspectives, cutting-edge innovation, and exclusive technical tours in Montreal and Toronto.
Join the world's largest gathering of tolling and transportation leaders to connect, learn, and shape the future of mobility in Arlington, Texas.
19/8/2026 9: 8 am
ASSOCIATIONS
INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION NEWS
Flagship gathering for the international road community The 9th IRF Global R2T Conference & Exhibition will bring together transportation leaders from more than 80 countries in San Francisco.
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he road and mobility sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, connected mobility, automation and datadriven asset management are no longer emerging concepts; they are increasingly becoming part of everyday transport planning, operations and infrastructure management. At the same time, transport agencies are under increasing pressure to improve safety, extend asset life, strengthen resilience to climate change and deliver better services while working within increasingly constrained budgets. For road authorities and infrastructure professionals, the challenge is no longer simply adopting new technologies but integrating them into longterm investment strategies and day-to-day operations. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration across governments, infrastructure owners, academia and industry, together with opportunities to
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exchange practical experience and lessons learned. For almost eight decades, the International Road Federation (IRF Global) has supported this international exchange through executive education, technical committees, policy dialogue and global events. Its flagship IRF Global R2T Conference & Exhibition, taking place in San Francisco, California, from 3–6 November, will bring together transportation leaders and professionals from more than 80 countries under the theme, ‘Transforming the Future of Mobility’. Rather than focusing solely on emerging technologies, the conference programme is designed around the operational priorities facing transport agencies today, combining strategic discussions with practical case studies and technical expertise from around the world. The programme reflects many of the issues shaping transport policy and
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infrastructure investment worldwide. Technical sessions will examine AI for transportation, intelligent transportation systems, asset management and pavement preservation, resilient infrastructure, connected and automated mobility, Vision Zero and road safety, freight and logistics, infrastructure financing, road user charging, electrification, and regulatory frameworks supporting nextgeneration mobility. Beyond the technology, the emphasis will be on implementation. Presentations will explore how transport agencies are incorporating new tools into planning, operations and long-term asset management, while addressing organisational, financial and regulatory considerations. Case studies from different regions will highlight practical approaches that can be adapted across a wide range of operating environments.
Bringing the global road community together As IRF Global’s flagship event, the R2T Conference & Exhibition has become one of the road sector’s leading international gatherings, welcoming more than 1000 professionals from all over the world. Senior representatives from transport ministries, highway administrations, transportation authorities, research organisations and industry will participate: • US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) • Transportation Research Board (TRB) • National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) • Caltrans • Transport Canada • Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) • UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure • Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL)
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exchange of knowledge and experience across regions and disciplines.
Technology, innovation and collaboration Complementing the conference programme, the exhibition will feature organisations presenting technologies and services supporting the future of road infrastructure and mobility. Areas of focus include intelligent transportation systems, AI-powered asset management, digital infrastructure, road safety technologies, construction solutions, sustainable materials and mobility innovation. The exhibition provides a meeting point for technology providers, infrastructure
Secure your participation Additional information about the conference, including the technical programme, registration, exhibition and sponsorship opportunities, can be found at www.IRF.global/R2T or by scanning the QR code. Registration is now open.
owners, transport agencies and industry professionals to explore new solutions, discuss operational challenges and examine how emerging technologies are being applied in different markets. Dedicated networking activities will further support
collaboration between public authorities, researchers and the private sector. By bringing the global road community together, the conference aims to turn new ideas and innovations into practical solutions for the future of mobility.
Images: IRF Washington
These agencies will come together with road authorities from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. The audience reflects the breadth of today’s transportation community, bringing together ministers and senior government officials, highway agencies, infrastructure owners, consultants, contractors, researchers, financial institutions, technology companies, equipment manufacturers and mobility specialists. Through technical sessions, executive forums and panel discussions, the programme encourages dialogue among policymakers, engineers and industry, while facilitating the
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Better roads, better decisions: Why the future of mobility depends on infrastructure Success in road infrastructure is now measured by a different metric.
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or decades, success in road infrastructure was measured by familiar metrics: how many vehicles could move through a corridor, how quickly congestion could be reduced, and how much additional capacity could be built. Today, however, those measures alone are no longer enough. Road agencies face a more complex challenge. Infrastructure must respond to issues such as climate change, ageing assets, constrained budgets, evolving technologies and growing public expectations. The objective is no longer delivering more
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infrastructure, but delivering better outcomes. That shift in thinking is at the heart of a July IRF Executive Talk featuring Arup director Mike Evans, whose message reflects a broader transformation taking place across the transport sector.
From building more to building better According to Evans, one of the biggest changes facing the profession is moving beyond the traditional instinct to expand road capacity. Rather than asking how many vehicles a road can accommodate, transport
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professionals should ask how many people the network serves, what journeys it enables and whether infrastructure provides the greatest value over its lifetime. That perspective changes the conversation entirely. It opens the door to integrated transport systems where roads, public transport, cycling and emerging mobility services complement one another. It also encourages infrastructure that is appropriately scaled, resilient and responsive to local needs instead of defaulting to larger, more resource-intensive solutions.
This shift towards delivering better outcomes also has implications for how projects engage with the communities they are designed to serve. Public confidence has become one of infrastructure’s greatest challenges. Communities increasingly expect projects to demonstrate tangible benefits, whether through improved accessibility, safer streets, lower emissions or better use of public investment. Delivering technical excellence is no longer sufficient; agencies must also demonstrate that infrastructure improves everyday life. Evans believes trust grows when transport networks
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transport investments create value that extends beyond mobility alone.
Continuing the conversation in Geneva Key themes – trust, delivery and innovation – will shape discussions throughout the IRF 2026 Annual Conference, taking place in Geneva from 16–18 November. As a Platinum Sponsor of the conference, Arup will join government leaders,
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infrastructure agencies, multilateral institutions, researchers and private sector experts in exploring how transport systems can become more resilient, efficient and people-centred. The conference will examine the policies, technologies and partnerships needed to help road agencies address ageing infrastructure, climate resilience, digital transformation and the evolving expectations of the communities they serve.
Evans’ closing message in the Executive Talk – “Embrace the excitement” – captures the opportunity facing the sector. With new technologies, delivery models and ways of thinking about infrastructure, the sector has an opportunity not simply to adapt to change, but to shape it. Join transport leaders from around the world in Geneva this November and be part of the conversations shaping the next generation of road infrastructure.
Images: IRF Geneva
function as public services rather than simply as physical assets. That means designing around people, providing meaningful travel choices and making investments that continue delivering value long after construction is complete. Technology is also playing an increasingly important role in helping road agencies deliver these outcomes while managing infrastructure more effectively. Digital technologies are accelerating this transition. Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping agencies detect pavement deterioration faster, connected vehicles are creating new opportunities to monitor network performance in real-time, and predictive maintenance is replacing reactive repairs with interventions that extend asset life while reducing costs. The result is a shift from responding to failures toward preventing them altogether. Combined with improved data and lifecycle planning, these tools offer road authorities an opportunity to improve service quality while making better use of increasingly limited resources. At the same time, the focus on better infrastructure extends beyond how assets are built and managed to the wider environmental and social value they can deliver. For Arup, sustainability extends well beyond emissions reduction. Evans points to circular construction practices, greater use of recycled materials, climate-resilient infrastructure and naturepositive design as practical ways to improve network performance while reducing environmental impacts. Equally important is understanding infrastructure as part of a wider social system. From improving first- and lastmile connectivity to supporting local businesses through safer, better-designed public spaces,
Image: Sam74100/Dreamstime.com
Geneva will host the IRF 2026 Annual Conference in November.
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Premium Content
KEY PROJECT REPORT
A transport boost for
CINCINNATI The 13km Brent Spence Corridor upgrade project will boost mobility between the US states of Ohio and Kentucky.
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oming in at a cost of US$4.05 billion, the Brent Spence Corridor upgrade in Ohio and Kentucky is a major project by any standards. In fact, it is said to be the largest bridge currently under way in the US. The project involves widening and improving a 13km stretch of I-71 and I-75, as well as constructing a new companion bridge immediately west of the existing Brent Spence Bridge, which will be reconfigured for local traffic. Completed in late 1963, the Brent Spence Bridge was named after a famous Kentucky Congressman. The bridge features two decks, the lower of which carries northbound traffic, while the upper carries southbound. The bridge was originally designed to carry 80,000 vehicles per day with three lanes in either direction; however, modifications in the 1980s saw the emergency lanes become live traffic lanes, providing four lanes in either direction with reduced shoulder widths. This means the bridge now must handle more than 150,000 vehicles per day, including a high volume of heavy trucks that are more than double the weight of trucks in use when the structure was planned. The massive increase in traffic volume means the existing bridge experiences frequent jams, especially in the event of an accident. Delays are common along the Brent Spence Corridor and over the bridge, which is classed as being functionally obsolete for carrying heavy Interstate traffic. Despite these challenges, the bridge remains a vital commercial link.
Freight and regional commerce The Brent Spence Bridge provides a key transport artery for the US and handles an estimated $400 billion in freight per year. But this steel cantilevered
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The redevelopment of an area in Cincinnati will be included in the project. (Image: Jacobs)
double-deck truss structure is no longer able to cope with the volume of traffic it handles, making it a transport bottleneck. To address this issue, the plan is to build a new bridge immediately west of the existing structure that will carry I-71 and I-75 through traffic, including interstate freight traffic. The new bridge will feature twin decks and have five lanes of traffic in either direction, with full-width shoulders. The upper deck will carry northbound traffic and the lower deck southbound, providing a major gain in capacity that will reduce congestion. Interstate and local traffic will also be separated. The existing bridge will be used solely for local traffic and will be reconfigured with three lanes in either direction. It will also have the emergency lanes reinstated. The combination of the reinstated emergency lanes on the old bridge and reduced weaving between lanes due to the new interstate crossing will help to boost safety for drivers. Separating the local traffic onto the old bridge will also help to improve access to the Covington and Cincinnati business districts, providing a further economic boost to the area and assisting the redevelopment process. In addition, Cincinnati and western neighbourhoods will be better connected with new or improved bike and pedestrian paths on local streets that cross I-71 and I-75. Further green initiatives will arise from the project funding measures to offset the impact of the construction work and to add amenities in parks in Covington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Both states are addressing the issue of stormwater runoff from the highway as an integral component of the project, with the aim of reducing flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
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Beyond the new bridge itself, the project involves work on a 13km stretch of highway from the Western Hills Viaduct in Ohio to the Dixie Highway in Kentucky. At the same time, land to the west of Cincinnati’s Central Avenue will become available for further development. Delivering these wide-ranging improvements will require close coordination between government agencies, designers and contractors across both states.
A complex corridor upgrade Joint venture Walsh-Kokosing is the lead design–build team (DBT) contractor for Phase 3 of the progressive design–build project. This is the first and largest component, encompassing 8km of interstate in Kentucky, the new companion bridge, and a further 1.6km of interstate in Ohio. The project is being overseen by a bi-state management team that comprises the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. AECOM is the lead designer of the overall project, while Jacobs is the lead designer for the Ohio Interchange and the independent companion bridge engineer. The work Jacobs is undertaking is complex. The firm will design the Ohio segment of the corridor, encompassing the I-75, I-71 and the US-50 interchange, which includes over 30 bridges with more than 130,000m2 of bridge deck. Jacobs is also operating as the independent companion bridge engineer, responsible for the design check and certification of the new long-span river crossing. The companion bridge will feature a cable-stayed design with dual independent decks. Its main span will measure 292.6m, compared with 253m for the existing bridge, and the new structure is expected to provide improved navigation conditions on the Ohio River. Delivering the project across such a complex and heavily trafficked corridor, however, will require the project team to overcome a range of construction and traffic-management obstacles. According to Jacobs, one of the biggest challenges will be maintaining traffic within the interchange Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion
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Opened in 1963, the bridge was reconfigured in the 1980s to provide four traffic lanes in either direction. (Image: Sherman Cahal/ Dreamstime.com)
while constructing the main bridge and the smaller bridges and various flyovers. Scheduling of different sections of the work means numerous closures will be required at various points in the project. The builders are conscious of the fact the need to close sections will impact the local street grid. To provide relief, temporary structures will be erected to help alleviate stress on the system, while signing and various improvements to alternative routes will be utilised at different points during the project. The work involves the replacement of four city street overhead bridges over I-75 and the redesign of interchange ramps to reduce left-hand exits. It also includes the reconstruction of Gest Street and construction of a new northbound street grid system, as well as the integration of a collector–distributor road network to streamline local and interstate traffic. The Ohio Interchange crosses two active CSX rail lines, and the work will necessitate the construction of nine bridges over the tracks. This will require a significant amount of coordination between flagging and track teams for critical construction activities. Further complexities will arise from ensuring access to river piers, which means significant temporary works will be required to provide access for river pier construction through private and public property. It is also worth noting that a significant number of active and abandoned utilities, many of which are main feeds for power, gas and water to the City of Cincinnati, will have to be identified and traced. The builders will also have to coordinate with the utility firms operating the active connections to prevent any loss of service. Completion of the new interstate bridge is expected in 2032, and the entire project completion date is 2033.
AECOM: www.aecom.com Jacobs: www.jacobs.com Ohio Department of Transportation: www.transportation.ohio.gov Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: www.transportation.ky.gov Kokosing: www.kokosing.biz Walsh: www.walsh.co.uk GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.4
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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY
ROAD MARKINGS
Clearly ahead with SolarLite Solar-powered road guidance is being given a heavy-duty upgrade for the demands of busy UK roads.
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learview Intelligence and Prismo have launched a heavy-duty SolarLite S381 active road stud following Type Approval from the UK’s Department for Transport. The UK-based Clearview said the S381 complements the company’s existing SolarLite range for highways, rural roads and active travel routes, extending its portfolio of off-grid, lower carbon road safety solutions. The S31 is specifically designed for heavily trafficked roads, combining Clearview’s proven SolarLite active road stud technology with Prismo’s robust cast iron housing. The heavy-duty cast iron shoe provides enhanced protection against large commercial trucks – heavy goods vehicles – and winter maintenance operations, including snow ploughs. The companies said this creates a durable unit that can be installed using the same industry-standard methods as conventional reflective road studs. This means highway authorities and white lining contractors can upgrade from passive reflective road studs to active solar guidance without changing established installation methods or undertaking additional civil engineering works.
“We’ve combined our proven heavy-duty cast-iron housing with Clearview’s market-leading SolarLite technology to create a solution that meets the demanding requirements of today’s road network” James Moore Prismo managing director
SolarLite S381 active road studs are designed to provide highly visible route guidance on heavily trafficked roads. (Image: Clearview Intelligence)
SolarLite S381 uses the same proven technology already installed at thousands of locations throughout the UK, delivering highly visible route guidance powered by integrated solar cells. Operating automatically from dusk until dawn, each road stud can store enough energy to run for up to seven days without sunlight. Unlike reflective road studs that rely entirely on vehicle headlights for illumination, SolarLite actively projects bright LED light visible from distances up to 900m, compared with 90m for a reflective road stud in good conditions. This gives drivers earlier warning of bends, junctions and other hazards, improving visibility and reaction times, particularly at night and in adverse weather conditions. The SolarLite S381 provides highway authorities, Tier 1 contractors and white line marking companies with a premium, lower-carbon road safety solution that can be installed with little impact on planned maintenance and renewal programmes. The SolarLite S381 requires no mains electricity and incurs no ongoing energy costs, a sustainable alternative to additional street lighting in appropriate locations. Findings from the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) Live Labs 2 programme demonstrated that alternative visual guidance could reduce carbon emissions by up to 25% and deliver savings of £1.24 million over 10 years compared with alternative conventional street lighting solutions. “Our SolarLite S381 builds on that proven technology by introducing a heavy-duty cast iron housing that many highway authorities require for their busiest roads,” Clearview Intelligence head of SolarLite Alastair King said. As the result of a collaboration between Clearview and Prismo, the S381 combines the former’s solarpowered active road stud technology with the latter’s heavy-duty cast-iron housing. “Together, we’ve combined our proven heavy-duty cast-iron housing with Clearview’s market-leading SolarLite technology to create a solution that meets the demanding requirements of today’s road network,” Prismo managing director James Moore said.
SolarLite: www.solarlite-studs.com Prismo: www.prismoglobal.com Clearview Intelligence: www.clearview-intelligence.com
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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY
HIGHWAY ASSET MONITORING
Smart system detection Ouster has installed new traffic control technology in Stamford, Connecticut.
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uster has reported the city of Stamford in Connecticut is the first to install its BlueCity powered by its new Rev8 digital LiDAR (light detection and ranging) detection system. With Rev 8, the Ouster BlueCity combines 3D LiDAR with proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) detection for intersection and highway multimodal actuation, alerts and analytics. With the integration of Rev8, Ouster BlueCity introduces what the company said is the world’s first native colour LiDAR detection system, which simultaneously captures colour and 3D depth information without the need for complex calibration. It provides what Ouster described as unmatched situational awareness, including precise highfidelity digital traffic twins, simplified zone set-up and more intuitive event analysis through improved colour visualisation. Importantly, the solution is designed for systemlevel privacy features at the edge while retaining the rich benefits of colour data. Delivering up to double the range and resolution of the previous generation, Ouster BlueCity with Rev8 also enables the advanced long-range detection required for comprehensive, corridor-level traffic management. These added capabilities allow transportation departments to confidently reduce their Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion
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Technology from Ouster is being used to improve traffic flow in Stamford, Connecticut. (Image: Ouster)
sensor footprint and overall costs, while benefiting from advanced detection, tracking and classification, and more rugged and reliable hardware. Advanced multimodal detection delivers continuous 360° detection of road users up to 500 feet (152m) across lighting extremes and severe weather conditions. Building on the previous generation’s 99% stopbar detection accuracy, the system optimises signal timing based on real-time movements of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and trams to improve traffic flow and reduce delays through transit signal priority (TSP), critical dilemma zone monitoring, and adaptive pedestrian walk-time extensions. An open application programming interface (API) architecture is designed to ensure seamless integration with advanced traffic management system (ATMS) platforms for rapid, scalable data sharing. BlueCity has a planned 10-year production life and extreme temperature (-40°C to +85°C) and environmental resilience (IP68/69K). The system mounts to existing traffic infrastructure in as little as three hours, eliminating the need for expensive mast arms, street trenching, lane closures or complex field calibrations.
Ouster: www.ouster.com GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.4
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SAFETY BARRIERS
Hard facts about barriers It was recently a testing time for a Tesla electric vehicle and a REBLOC precast concrete barrier, but both performed according to design.
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he number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the world’s roads continues to rise. As such, it is increasingly important that vehicle restraint systems provide the same level of protection for EVs as they do for conventional vehicles. REBLOC said it has taken its own vehicle restraint system offering a step further by demonstrating the suitability of precast concrete barriers for any kind of vehicle on the road. The company recently carried out a full-scale crash test with an anchored REBLOC precast concrete barrier and an EV. The test vehicle was a Tesla Model 3 with a mass of around 1900kg. The crash test, with an impact speed of 110kph and 20° impact angle, replicated the criteria of the TB32 test, in accordance with the requirements defined in the European Union’s EN 1317-2 standard for road restraints. However, while the EN 1317-2 standard specifies a vehicle mass of 1500kg for the TB32, the Tesla used in this test was about 400kg heavier. The vehicle realised an impact energy of 103.8kJ, 28% higher than the TB32 test. REBLOC said vehicle behaviour during and after the impact was “excellent”, demonstrating controlled deceleration and effective redirection. The barrier performed as intended, there was no damage to the restraint system and no barrier components became loose during or after the collision. The barrier remained intact and capable of operating as designed following the impact. But what about the EV’s battery? One of the key objectives of the test was to evaluate the state of the battery after such a severe impact. As a precautionary measure, the vehicle was immediately recovered after the impact and placed in a specially designed safety container equipped with smoke detectors and a flooding system. It remained under observation for 48 hours.
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REBLOC said vehicle behaviour during and after the impact was “excellent”. (Image: Rebloc)
No signs of battery malfunction or ignition were detected during or after this period. Importantly, the battery itself remained intact throughout the test and showed no signs of damage that could lead to thermal runaway or fire. On another note, the vehicle’s emergency assistance system remained operational after the collision and automatically alerted emergency services and, to the surprise of the crash test team, the police arrived at the test site. Regardless, this fact demonstrated that critical vehicle safety functions can remain active even after an impact. The ongoing rapid proliferation of EVs means it is essential that vehicle restraint systems are evaluated under realistic conditions that reflect today’s vehicle fleet. However, current EVs are not specifically addressed within existing road safety standards. As a result, the availability of crash test data evaluating interaction between EVs and vehicle restraint systems is limited. A few crash tests conducted in North America involving EVs and steel guardrail systems have highlighted potential challenges for protection. Due to the battery being packed in the vehicle’s floor pan, an EV’s lower centre of gravity can cause the guardrail to be lifted during impact, allowing the vehicle to under-ride the system, resulting in unsatisfactory performance. The REBLOC test helps to demonstrate that precast concrete barriers offer a robust and reliable solution for modern vehicles, including EVs. The successful performance of the barrier, combined with the positive vehicle behaviour, provides strong evidence that precast concrete barriers are well suited to the evolving demands of road safety.
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HIGHWAY ASSET MONITORING
Rigorous monitoring in Riga
Red-light violations in Latvia’s capital have dropped sharply since automated traffic monitoring was introduced.
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ata from LMT Group’s traffic monitoring solution in Riga shows that red-light violations in Latvia’s capital have dropped by 66% over the past six months. The solution operates in nine locations around the city. After peaking at 3636 violations in August 2025, the number declined steadily through the autumn and winter months, reaching 1134 in February this year. Before LMT’s solution rollout in March 2025, Riga Municipal Police issued 1250 red-light violation tickets throughout the city in 2024. The current drop in violations, according to LMT, shows the benefits of automated solutions for improved traffic management, while reducing the workload on traffic enforcement resources. The data has also revealed that Riga’s riskiest hour for red-light violations is not later in the evening, but between 4.00–5.00pm. This finding challenges the assumption that traffic risks are highest later in the evening, believed to be after 5.00pm when many commuting workers are heading home.
LMT’s traffic monitoring solution is showing a significant drop in red-light violations by drivers in Riga. (Image: LMT Group)
By comparison, the number of red-light violations during the morning commute when workers in Riga are heading to work is found to be half as high. LMT’s traffic-monitoring solution includes a wide range of capabilities, such as detecting and classifying objects, tracking their movement, recognising vehicle licence or registration plates and identifying traffic light signals. In addition to red-light violations, the system can also detect the illegal use of bus lanes and unlawful stopping at intersections. When such a potential violation is detected, the system forwards the relevant information to police and traffic safety authorities to assesses the incident and determine the penalty. Beyond enforcement, the solution provides vital statistical analytics. By monitoring traffic flows and movement patterns, urban planners can identify where infrastructure upgrades, such as traffic lights or crossings, are truly needed. LMT Group: www.lmt.lv/en
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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
ITS technology for road tunnel A new motorway tunnel in Romania will benefit from ITS systems being implemented by IESYS.
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omanian firm IESYS is installing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and tunnel safety technologies for the Lugoj–Deva motorway. The major project features the construction of complex road tunnel structures and the deployment of integrated traffic management and operational safety solutions. The project includes Tunnel 1, comprising two galleries of approximately 400m; and Tunnel 2, the project’s main technical complexity area, which includes two main galleries of 1700m and 1800m, respectively. Due to their length and operational requirements, the main galleries of Tunnel 2 are being built to Austrian tunnel regulations, which are often used as a benchmark for tunnel infrastructure projects across Europe. The dimensions of the galleries and the density of the integrated systems place the project among the most complex road tunnel infrastructure endeavours being undertaken in Romania. IESYS is installing and integrating intelligent transport, traffic control and safety systems across the project, from individual field devices to the centralised control environment. “Road tunnels are some of the most demanding environments in transport infrastructure because every operational system becomes safety-critical,” IESYS managing director Andrei Iacobiță said. “When you are managing long tunnel sections, you need continuous visibility across traffic conditions, environmental systems and emergency infrastructure at all times. The role of integrated ITS components, control and SCADA [supervisory control and data acquisition] technologies is to give operators the
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The new Romanian tunnel in will benefit from ITS technology supplied by IESYS. (Image: IESYS)
ability to react quickly, coordinate systems efficiently and maintain safe traffic flow even in complex operating conditions.” Across the main tunnel sections, IESYS is fitting 49 automatic incident detection cameras at regular intervals, 32 SOS emergency points and more than 80 dynamic traffic signalling panels. The system also incorporates CCTV and PTZ monitoring, inductive loop detectors, weather stations and anti-icing sensors embedded in the road surface. All systems are integrated through a centralised and redundant control and SCADA platform. This gives operators visibility across tunnel traffic conditions, environmental monitoring, incident detection ventilation, power supply and communication systems. It also enables coordinated response across critical functions from a single control environment. “Tunnel infrastructure is undergoing a fundamental shift, where safety and operations are becoming inseparable from digital systems and real-time intelligence,” Iacobiță said. “Lugoj–Deva reflects that evolution clearly. The density of integrated systems this project requires and the standards it must meet are a direct result of how significantly technical expectations for tunnel infrastructure have risen. “Delivering that level of integration is precisely the capability IESYS has developed.” The project is in the design phase, with tunnel systems mobilisation and ITS infrastructure works advancing as implementation activities continue across the site.
IESYS: www.iesysgroup.com Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com
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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY
HIGHWAY ASSET MONITORING
Kodiak adds HAAS Safety Cloud Kodiak AI is integrating HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud platform into its autonomous trucks to provide real-time digital warnings.
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odiak AI, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered autonomous vehicle technology, has integrated HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud digital platform into its autonomous trucking solution. Kodiak will use Safety Cloud to deliver real-time safety alerts to approaching vehicles and motorists, providing beyond-line-of-sight information to enhance roadway safety. Safety Cloud sends motorists digital alerts information about the road ahead via the cellular network. These are shown on vehicle infotainment screens or through apps on digital devices. According to HAAS, drivers receiving Safety Cloud digital alerts reduce speed by an average of 17%, giving motorists extra time to make safer driving decisions. HAAS said that as autonomous trucking continues to scale, the deal with Kodiak provides a layer of safety beyond regulatory requirements. It can serve as a supplement to the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) recent waiver allowing cabmounted warning beacons for disabled autonomous trucks, in place of traditional warning triangles. Kodiak-equipped autonomous trucks will now use Safety Cloud to automatically send digital alerts to notify nearby drivers when a Kodiak vehicle is
stopped on the shoulder. These are delivered directly to millions of original equipment manufacturercompatible in-vehicle systems, including those of car maker Stellantis, whose brands include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Alfa Romeo, as well as Waze and Apple Maps navigation apps. Kodiak said it may add the ability to receive notifications from other vehicles and first responders and incorporate that information into its decision-making processes. HAAS Alert technology delivers alerts from emergency response, municipal and private fleets, work zones and connected infrastructure through its vehicle communication platform. It is a major supplier of connected vehicle safety and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) solutions. Kodiak AI provides AI-powered autonomous vehicle technology. The virtual Kodiak Driver combines advanced AI-powered software with modular and vehicle-agnostic hardware.
HAAS Alert: www.haasalert.com Kodiak: www.kodiak.ai
Safety Cloud delivers real-time digital alerts for roadside hazards and emergency response. (Image: HAAS)
www.rebloc.com
Precast Concrete Barriers for permanent use > innovative > modular > low-maintenance > durable Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion
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TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Howe the bridge was opened
The new Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Canada and the US is open, providing a major new cross-border crossing for traffic and freight.
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onday 27 July was an important day in the transportation infrastructure sector, with the new Gordie Howe Bridge linking Canada and the US at last opening. The bridge had been completed for some time, but the official opening of the link was delayed until a new agreement over its operation could be reached between the Canadian and US governments. Now that the new bridge is open to traffic, it will significantly improve transport between Canada and the US, providing a more efficient alternative to the existing crossings between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. The opening was delayed when the US held approval for the link to start operating. A new agreement had to be struck that allowed the US to share toll revenue with Canada over a 50-year operating period. Construction of the US$4.5 billion (C$6.4 billion) bridge was funded by Canada, however, and the project was managed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), a not-for-profit corporation wholly owned by the Canadian Government.
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The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Canada and the US has opened at last after a series of delays. (Image: WindsorDetroit Bridge Authority)
The 2.5km cable-stayed bridge connects Canada’s Highway 401 with I-75 in the US and features three lanes for traffic in either direction. It includes two 220m towers, each of which required 10,000m3 of concrete and 4500 tonnes of steel during construction. Close to one million tonnes of fill was placed at the Canadian end of the bridge during construction, with around 550,000 tonnes used at the US end. More than 230 buildings had to be demolished on the US side to make way for the new bridge. Vehicles on the bridge are tolled depending on size and weight, though there are no charges for cyclists or pedestrians using the shared facilities, which opened after the roadway. The bridge has a main span of 853m, which is said to be the widest of its kind in North America, with a clearance of 42m. The novel composite steel and concrete bridge deck is of note, as this is said to be the longest for any cable-stayed bridge yet built.
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TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
In perspective The new bridge is designed with six bridge lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 Canada and US inspection lanes. Beyond strengthening international trade and connecting communities, the project has delivered significant local benefits. Since construction commenced in October 2018, more than 15,800 personnel worked over 20.1 million hours to build the bridge. On-site agencies, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, US Customs and Border Protection, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Food and Drug Administration, have worked together to prepare the new facilities, train staff and ensure seamless traffic flow. The result is a major new piece of crossborder infrastructure designed to support the movement of people and goods between Canada and the US for decades to come.
Strengthening cross-border trade The new bridge – which was named after professional Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe, who played most of his career with the Detroit Red Wings – provides an alternative crossing to the privately owned Ambassador Bridge that links Windsor and Detroit. The earlier structure, which opened to traffic in 1929, is a suspension bridge that carries a significant percentage of the trade between the two nations. The fact one end of the Ambassador Bridge is an urban area in Ontario can result in congestion and delays for drivers using the crossing. The new Gordie Howe International Bridge, however, is linked directly to the highway systems of both countries, allowing faster transport. An estimated 25% of the trade between Canada and the US passes between Windsor and Detroit, and the faster connection, particularly for heavy vehicles, means the new bridge will help boost this figure. Other crossings between Detroit and Windsor include the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel, which opened in 1930, and the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel, which opened in 1910. However, the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel cannot accommodate large trucks, meaning heavy vehicles have traditionally relied on the Ambassador Bridge to cross between the two countries. Trade is vital between Windsor and Detroit, particularly for the automotive sector. Detroit is a major centre for the US automotive industry, while Ford has long operated a major manufacturing facility in Windsor. The efficient movement of vehicles and components across the Canada–US border is therefore crucial to the competitiveness of the industry, with the new bridge providing an additional route for this trade. It has been more than 20 years since the Canadian and the US governments began discussing a new crossing. Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion
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Canada funded the border facilities on either side of the crossing. (Image: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority)
The project was considered jointly between the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Transport Canada, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). However, the owners of existing Ambassador Bridge were not keen on the plans for the new bridge to go ahead and launched legal battles to try and stop the project. The project was also delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the price-tag increased as work was underway due largely to gains in materials and labour costs. But after more than two decades of planning, negotiation and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now providing a new link between Canada and the US. With its direct connections to the highway networks of both countries, the crossing is expected to improve the movement of people and freight while strengthening one of North America’s most important trade corridors.
Toll collection
Arcadis co-designed, developed, installed and commissioned the complete toll system for the new bridge. This extends from roadside tolling infrastructure to the back-office revenue management platform, using the firm’s latest toll system platform. The deployed solution integrates tolling operations with advanced ITS capabilities. This provides electronic and automated toll collection, as well as real-time transaction processing, traffic incident management, and dynamic lane control.
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INTERVIEW
To the heart of Volvo CE
Volvo CE president Melker Jernberg sat down with Global Highways during the recent Volvo Days event Sweden, discussing the company’s history and its vision for a better future.
Moves such as this are designed to ensure Volvo CE keeps doing what it does best, Jernberg said. The recent decision to part ways with SDLG is also part of this strategy. Volvo CE’s 2006 acquisition of a 70% stake in SDLG marked its entry into the Chinese market. In the summer of 2025, however, Volvo officially ended that 19-year partnership by selling its stake back to Lingong Group for around US$852.5 million. At the time, Volvo said the move represented a major shift in its China strategy, “narrowing its focus to premium Volvo-branded equipment while giving SDLG full control of its own future”. Jernberg noted that, with increasing competition and the need to transform to new technologies as well as strengthening interaction with customers, “we need to re-focus”. But China remains an important market for Volvo. A technical and research centre in China, which opened in Jinan in the Shandong Province in 2014, will continue to operate. There will also be some manufacturing at the 50,000m² facility, such as a new loader to be exported from China. “We aim to capitalise on our opportunities by focusing on sustainable solutions in targeted segments [and] plan to leverage the excellent industrial system in China,” Jernberg said.
Building a more resilient business
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olvo, as is the case with all manufacturers, is managing disruptions and ripples in the global construction-machinery market. Some of those decisions are easier than others, according to Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) president Melker Jernberg. Closing manufacturing at the Rokbak facility in Scotland and moving on from an established relationship with Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery (SDLG) in China were among the decisions made to make Volvo CE more flexible in times of great flux for supply chains. Volvo CE described closing the Rokbak factory, which manufactures articulated dump trucks, as part of a long-term strategic shift, saying it plans to “concentrate resources on its portfolio of other hauling solutions”. Volvo CE, which is based in the southern Swedish city of Eskilstuna, said it will continue to support Rokbak customers and partners. But not everyone is leaving the facility in the Scottish town of Motherwell, about 20km from Glasgow. The factory will continue as a key hub for designing Volvo rigid haulers and “will drive development of future product lines”.
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Melker Jernberg wants to make Volvo CE more resilient in a changing global market. (Images: Volvo CE)
The strategy is to focus on core competencies, Jernberg said, concentrating on where you are strong and investing accordingly. He also discussed the challenges posed by tariffs and shifting global trade policies. “Volvo CE will always be a global company and free trade is in the company’s DNA,” Jernberg said. “As with many companies in the construction-equipment manufacturing sector, Volvo will learn to adapt even though more free trade would be preferable.
Volvo Days featured an early articulated hauler from when the company was called Volvo BM.
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INTERVIEW
supply, charging solutions, energy management and operational integration. Jernberg pointed to Norway, where the city of Oslo wants around 98% of its construction sites to be carbon neutral. Such a move is less noticeable in North America but is still headed in the right direction. Even so, electric machines remain more concentrated in developed countries, at least for the moment.
Technology is reshaping the industry
“Tariffs can destroy competition, which is not good. A level playing field is better for business.” While trade barriers can create additional challenges, Volvo CE is seeking to mitigate their impact by avoiding over-reliance on any single market, site or supplier. “Don’t be too dependent on one place or one site or one supplier and you will make the entire supply chain more resilient,” Jernberg said. On the technical side, Jernberg used his Volvo Days presentation to discuss some updates on the use of alternative fuels in the construction-equipment sector. While companies had previously been keen on the benefits of alternative fuels and propulsion, such as hydrogen and electric power plants, he said those solutions remain technically possible but logistically impractical for many sites. Meanwhile, electric models are becoming more practical, driven by the increasing demands of site owners, especially local and city authorities, which require their use to maintain better urban air quality and lower noise pollution from site operations. Volvo CE and Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, recently agreed to collaborate on system-level requirements needed to enable electric construction machines on site, including power
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Volvo’s history in Eskilstuna, Sweden, dates back to 1832.
As for the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Jernberg believes it is another tool for equipment development and on the jobsite. It is about gathering data, analysing it and finding more efficient ways to use a machine. While AI can improve processes or how data is used, he does not believe it will save a company from bad decisions. But AI is hastening an already noticeable trend, changing the way end users of equipment and their customers look at jobsites. Nobody, Jernberg said, buys just an excavator or loader anymore; they are looking for on-the-ground insights and advancements in coordinated work efficiency to improve their bottom line. And therein lies the nuance for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the construction-equipment manufacturing sector. While they are ostensibly selling a physical machine to a customer, they are also selling added value to the customer’s operations. But how do you sell added value? You must be sensitive to customers’ issues, problems and working history. Jernberg believes it is more than ever about relationships, being close to your customer and building trust. On the sector-wide concern of recruiting enough machine operators, Jernberg is hopeful the use of data, with solutions such as Volvo CE’s Connected Map, will show that there are very good career prospects for young people. This system offers real-time positioning of vehicles and people, helping operators to make safer and more efficient choices. This means a machine operator is no longer an isolated worker on site; they are part of a larger team where data is shared, connecting them to the bigger picture. Importantly, solutions such as Connected Map can show young people who are looking for a career that they can work in an environment where they can access data to assess their progress or efficiency improvements. “They say, ‘I’m going to get data because that is my real world and I have grown up with data at my fingertips, much via my phone and an app’,” Jernberg said. Volvo CE and other companies in the constructionequipment manufacturing sector are working to create a more sustainable future. “We have customers that really, really believe that we can make the planet a better place for our kids and we also have customers that don’t believe that we have a problem at all,” Jernberg said. “It’s a mix. But if our ambition is to make good products that are better for customers, then the good products will win and the world will be a better place.” GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.4
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Premium Content
AIRPORT PAVING
Repaving runway in the US capital Construction machines from the Wirtgen Group have repaved the runway at Ronald Reagan Airport in Washington, DC.
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pecialist contractor Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure has carried out a challenging project to resurface the runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a vital transportation hub for commuting politicians and government officials in the US capital. Directly across from the airport, on the other side of the Potomac River, are the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian museums. This allows passengers taking off from or landing at the airport a spectacular view of the city and all its historic monuments. The contractor worked through the night at the airport in order to not disturb flight schedules. And to ensure flight operations could resume reliably next morning, the contractor relied heavily on its fleet of construction machines from the Wirtgen Group. With an average of 800 inbound and outbound flights each day, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is one of the busiest in the US, placing significant demands on its most heavily used runway, Runway 1/19. Keeping the asphalt base course of the runway in good repair without interrupting flight operations presented a major challenge.
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A VÖGELE SUPER 2100-5 X paver was used to lay down the special asphalt mix. (Images: Wirtgen Group)
The short window for night work meant Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure had a lot to do in a short space of time. The firm won the contract for the repaving work due to its extensive track record of working on challenging airport projects. Lagan Aviation & Infrastructure operations director James Keogh said that with more than 30 years of experience, the company is a global leader in the construction and maintenance of airport and military infrastructure. The runway rehabilitation presented a demanding project that had to be completed under enormous pressure. Due to its length of around 2.2km, Runway 1/19 is used by the majority of inbound and outbound flights. The airport’s two other runways, 15/33 and 04/22, each have a length of around 1.5km and are primarily used in crosswinds or as secondary options. This is why all the rehabilitation work on the main runway had to be carried out during the night flight curfew from 10.00pm to 7.00am. “In the first year of the project, we removed and re-laid 20.32cm of the old material and moved an average of 800 tonnes of material across a width of around 4.5m and a length of approximately 305m every night,” Keogh said. “In the second year, the main focus was on repaving the runway with a 6.35cm thick surface course. So every night saw us out there milling and laying down asphalt.
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Premium Content
AIRPORT PAVING
“We resurfaced a section with a length of around 90m across the full 46m width of the runway per night. Once that was finished, all the runway markings had to be reapplied to ensure that flight operations could resume at 6.00am.” Faced with this enormous challenge, Keogh and the Lagan US team relied on the support of trusted partners for the asphalt rehabilitation of runway 1/19: Wirtgen America and Elliott & Frantz. “The specifications of the US Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] for runway asphalt surfacing also make a difference when it comes to payment,” Keogh said. “In order to receive the full payment, we must comply with certain specifications; for example, regarding compaction, height regulation or surface evenness. That’s why we have to use machines we are familiar with, that we trust to work precisely and achieve the required compaction.” For this project, the contractor chose to use a Wirtgen W 210 Fi, a high-performance cold milling machine equipped with a DUAL-SHIFT power-shift transmission featuring two speeds, which allows a wide range of milling drum speeds and is said to ensure better surface quality at higher milling speeds. After this came a Vögele SUPER 2100-5 X paver that Lagan US had purchased especially for this project. Following on behind the paver, a combination of three Hamm tandem rollers – a HD+ 120i VO, a HD+ 90i VV and a HD 14i VV – worked together to achieve optimum compaction. The HD 14i was assigned the special task of rolling out the cross-seams to ensure a smooth surface without joints. The heavy tandem rollers proved their worth on this jobsite with their high compaction performance and area output. The HD+ 120i VO tandem rollers, in particular, ensured a rapid increase of asphalt density by combining vibration and oscillation. This makes optimal use of the available time window for compaction, resulting in homogeneous, high-quality compacted surfaces that are particularly crucial for airport runways. The SUPER 2100-5 X tracked paver benefits from ergonomic controls, automated processes, short setup times and lower noise and exhaust emissions. “The new series is equipped with impressively powerful John Deere engines,” Keogh said. “They also feature the latest Dash 5 operating technology that’s a part of our digitalisation programme.” Lagan US construction manager Martyn Roe said setting up the SUPER 2100-5 X for the night shift was a straightforward process.
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Ronald Reagan National Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the US.
“The team is happy with the equipment,” he said. “The Big MultiPlex Ski is incredibly easy to set up, you just have to clip all the parts together. “There are no nuts and bolts. That makes the whole thing as easy as pie. We can get it assembled and ready to go within 15 minutes.” For Keogh and Roe, saving time and effort and increasing safety proved a welcome benefit. “The Vögele pavers – and above all the Dash 5 we’re currently using – lay down a really good surface course,” Keogh said. “We needed a big paver that could lay down a good surface course and was suitable for paving such wide strips as the 5.7m asphalt surface.” Achieving the required surface quality was particularly important given the demanding specifications of the asphalt mix used on the runway. “The mix we used here fulfils the requirements of the FAA asphalt mix pavement specifications. It is a PG 82-22 grade, a very strong, stiff and dense mix that is extremely difficult to pave,” Wirtgen America district sales manager David Salzmann said, referring to the precision required when paving asphalt runways. “Once you’ve applied it, it’s almost impossible to do any rework. That would just ruin the paved surface.” The tamper bar of the paving screed plays an important role during paving. “After all, the greater the compaction achieved by the screed, the greater the probability of ultimately achieving a good result in terms of compaction and surface quality,” Salzmann said. With flight operations relying on the runway reopening each morning, dependable equipment and support were critical throughout the project. “We use machines from Wirtgen, Vögele and Hamm and they’ve never let us down, wherever we were,” Keogh said. “Without our trust in the reliability of the machines, the Elliott & Frantz supply chain and the Wirtgen Service team, nothing could have worked out as it did. “When we start work in the evening, we must be able to rely on getting our work finished and wrapped up the next morning so flight operations can resume. “We’re talking about the busiest runway in the United States. If it’s not open again in the morning, we’ll have a big problem. “But that’s the deadline we work towards every day, and so far we’ve always managed to fulfil it.”
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ASPHALT PLANTS
A SMARTER APPROACH TO ASPHALT PRODUCTION Taiwan’s demonstration project offers lessons for road builders and infrastructure stakeholders throughout Southeast Asia YongLi Group’s new asphalt plant is being transformed with the latest Ammann technology. (Image: Ammann)
Countries across Asia are investing in transport connectivity, urban development and climateresilient infrastructure, but the construction industry faces the challenge of building at scale while reducing environmental impact. For equipment manufacturer Ammann, advanced technology, operational efficiency and sustainability offer the answers. The firm has transformed YongLi Group’s Tainan Syuejia Plant in Taiwan, which has been developed as a model for environmentally responsible asphalt production and smart
infrastructure. The facility shows how asphalt producers and road construction stakeholders can integrate innovative technologies, automation and sustainability. The project reflects a shift taking place across Asia, where governments, contractors and infrastructure developers are increasingly seeking solutions that balance operational performance, economic growth with sustainability goals. “The infrastructure sector is entering a new era where performance, efficiency and sustainability must go hand-inhand,” Ammann chief executive
officer (CEO) Hans Christian Schneider said. “Across Asia, we are seeing increasing interest in technologies and operating models that assist in reducing environmental impact while maintaining the high standards required for modern infrastructure development.” At the Tainan Syuejia facility, YongLi Group has implemented advanced technologies designed to modernise processes. These include artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automation systems, proprietary patented technologies that boost road smoothness. Ammann is also using other innovative operational practices to improve efficiency and reduce resource consumption. The transformation even extends beyond production capabilities. The site incorporates environmental design features, including vertical greening systems and public art installations. This is said to demonstrate how industrial facilities can become
more sustainable and socially integrated spaces. Southeast Asian governments are prioritising investments in highways, logistics corridors, urban mobility networks and strategic infrastructure developments. The construction sector is also striving to reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency and adopt sustainable operating practices. “The transition towards more sustainable infrastructure is not being driven by a single technology or policy,” Schneider said. “It requires collaboration across the entire value chain, from equipment manufacturers and material producers to contractors, developers and policymakers. “Projects such as YongLi’s demonstrate what is possible when sustainability becomes a core component of industrial transformation.”
Ammann: www.ammann.com
Clean hydrogen fuel A UK asphalt plant has used hydrogen to significantly reduce emissions from production. Heidelberg Materials UK has used hydrogen to decarbonise asphalt production on an industrial scale for the first time in the UK at its Criggion plant in Powys, Wales. The Criggion trial, part of the company’s commitment to decarbonise its production processes, is connected to the UK Government’s Industrial Hydrogen Accelerator programme, receiving partfunding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). During the trial, hydrogen was used to produce more than 1300 tonnes, demonstrating a viable
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alternative to fossil fuels in asphalt production. It achieved a 76% reduction in Scope 1 (direct) emissions, equating to a 23% reduction in the overall carbon footprint. “If we are to reach our net-zero ambitions, we need to consider carbon reduction measures across all areas of our operations,” Heidelberg Materials UK chief executive officer (CEO) Simon Willis said. “Fuel switching to hydrogen is one of these along with, for example, the development of carbon capture and storage, the use of alternative and secondary materials, and developing circular solutions.
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A Heidelberg UK asphalt plant in Wales has been fuelled by hydrogen to produce material. (Image: Heidelberg Materials UK)
“Hydrogen will be a vital solution to decarbonise heavy industry, where electrification is difficult, and this successful demonstration of its potential to produce low-carbon asphalt for the construction industry is a major step forward.” A total of 4522kg of hydrogen was used during the trial at Criggion, saving 25,105kg of CO2. If scaled across the UK asphalt industry, savings could
reach 450,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. Heidelberg Materials is a member of Made with Hydrogen, a consortium of organisations responsible for manufacturing daily essentials, from the asphalt in roads to the bricks in homes.
Heidelberg Materials: www.heidelbergmaterials. co.uk
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ASPHALT PLANTS
New plant for Associated Asphalt Associated Asphalt’s East Peckham facility is boosting regional supply and streamlining customer turnaround times. A new asphalt plant commissioned for Associated Asphalt Contracting in the UK is helping boost the firm’s output. The East Peckham facility is now a leading supply hub and was developed to serve businesses in Tonbridge and the surrounding areas as part of a £2.6 million investment. It marks Associated Asphalt’s first direct move into the local collect market as part of its asphalt business expansion. The site has grown since the facility commenced operating in 2025, producing more than 30,000 tonnes of standard and specialist mix asphalt in its first year. Core to the plant’s rapid success is its mix-to-order model, enabling tighter quality control and superior workability. Designed around efficiency, this streamlined approach also allows for faster turnaround times, with most customers in
and out of the plant in less than 20 minutes. For single loads, the average turnaround time is said to be just 16 minutes. In a recent milestone, the plant received its first freight train, compromising 22 wagons carrying around 60 tonnes of aggregates to site. This new rail capability will support regional infrastructure projects while significantly reducing HGV traffic on local roads. “Launching our first local collect plant in East Peckham was a strategic step and is indicative of our continued investment in the asphalt business and our commitment to improving customer experience,” Associated Asphalt Contracting technical manager Chris Marchesi said.
Associated Asphalt: https://associatedasphalt.biz
New E-MAK plant for UK E-MAK is building momentum in the UK with its second E-Series asphalt plant. Turkish asphalt plant manufacturer E-MAK is strengthening its presence in the UK with the sale of one of its E-Series models. The plant, purchased by Green Circle, is the second E-Series installation in the UK following the company’s earlier sale to Unbrako. E-MAK brand management and digital market specialist Ekin Turanli said interest in the plants has been strong, and he expects the company’s presence to continue growing. “I’m sure we will be selling more plants in the UK,” he said. The latest E-Series plant was exhibited at the recent Hillhead quarry exhibition near Buxton in the UK before being purchased by Green Circle for installation at a site in Nottingham. It is being supplied with a recycling ring, which means reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) can be used in the mix.
E-MAK displayed its E-Series asphalt plant at the Hillhead quarry exhibition. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
The Green Circle order also represents E-MAK’s second E-Series sale in Europe, with the first having been commissioned at a site in the Danish capital of Copenhagen. Meanwhile, Unbrako, E-MAK’s first UK customer, is keen to buy a second plant after having had good experience with its existing unit and seeing steady demand for asphalt in its geographic area of operations.
E-MAK: www.e-mak.com
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The Ciber plant is said to offer high performance and productivity. (Image: Wirtgen Group)
EFFICIENT ASPHALT PRODUCTION WITH CIBER Asphalt plant technology from the Wirtgen Group is helping deliver efficient production in Brazil. Continuous asphalt plant technology from Ciber is being used in Brazil to supply material across the state of São Paulo, with contractor EIXO SP operating three Ciber iNOVA 1500 asphalt mixing plants. One of these machines is located in Itirapina, around 220km from the state capital. The state-of-the-art continuous asphalt mixing plant offers a production capacity of 150 tonnes per hour and enables the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the mix. It is said to offer high productivity and fuel efficiency and, despite its cutting-edge control technology, a simple operating concept. The plant is producing high-quality asphalt mix across 22 municipalities to a road network of more than 529km. Its immediate proximity to key motorways enables a supply of high-quality asphalt mix to construction sites. In the event the unit has to be moved to a new location, a single articulated low-loader is sufficient for transportation, which allows contractor EIXO SP to cover the needs of the region with a single asphalt mixing plant. Depending on the configuration, the iNOVA 1500 offers the possibility of processing reclaimed asphalt pavement without compromising on quality. The fact up to 40% of RAP can be added to the mix helped convince the contractor to purchase the Ciber equipment.
“Such sustainability is essential for today’s market, which is striving to achieve efficiency in combination with responsibility for the environment,” EIXO SP production engineer Nathalia Liani said. For Ciber product specialist Vinicius Dutra, the sophisticated control system is a highlight of the plant. “Thanks to the automation, the plant can work at high speeds,” he said. “The control of the mixing time and the temperature ensures a homogeneous mix.” Precise mix dosing enables the contractor to meet the high technical standards for road surfaces. The Ciber burner and automatic flue gas flow/ temperature control also optimise fuel consumption. “With the iNOVA 1500, we have a plant that not only works reliably and flexibly but also delivers consistent results throughout and optimises our processes,” Liani said. The wheeled mobile plant is easy to transport and features an operator’s cabin equipped with the latest controls. “This is a really advanced plant,” EIXO SP plant operator Camilo Souza said. “Its innovative technology assists me in my daily work. The allround visibility is particularly practical. That helps me to react faster when I have to and makes my work easier.”
Wirtgen Group: www. wirtgen-group.com
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EARTHMOVING
Volvo unveils smarter solutions Volvo CE unveiled a range of new machines and technologies at Volvo Days 2026, including an award-winning articulated hauler and its latest electric and intelligent solutions.
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he recent Volvo Days event in Eskilstuna, Sweden, was presented under the theme ‘Smarter Solutions, driven by you’. Volvo showcased its shift towards a more integrated, solutions-driven approach that brings together machines, services and digital technologies to support customers’ evolving needs. “In an increasingly complex world, we have made clear choices about where to focus and invest,” Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) president Melker Jernberg. “What we are demonstrating here is how those decisions translate into real impact for our customers as we move closer to their operations, respond faster and strengthen resilience in an uncertain environment.” A new $75 million excavator assembly facility in Eskilstuna, Volvo CE’s base, is to begin production in 2028. The plant will produce up to 3500 machines annually as volumes ramp up, marking Volvo’s first excavator manufacturing in Sweden. “Eskilstuna is a powerful symbol of our commitment to Europe,” Volvo CE head of region Europe Carl Slotte said. “By investing closer to our customers, we are strengthening our ability to respond faster, collaborate more closely and support them in staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.” Volvo CE announced at the start of Volvo Days 2026 that its new A50 articulated hauler had received a Red Dot Design Award, an international competition recognising excellence in product and industrial design that was established in Germany in 1955.
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The new Volvo A50 articulated hauler was awarded a Red Dot Design award for its approach to visibility and situational awareness. (Image: Volvo CE)
The award recognised the A50’s safety-led approach to visibility and situational awareness. The machine’s engine hood has been significantly lowered and volumes above the wheels have been cut away, resulting in exceptional visibility from the cab. Operators can now see people and obstacles positioned closer to the machine than ever before. The operator is centrally positioned above the front axle, with clearly defined corners of the machine providing intuitive visual guides that deliver exceptional maneuverability and precision. To accommodate a lifting eye on the engine, a subtle protrusion has been cleverly integrated into the hood as a sculpted design feature known as the ‘aim’, which also serves as a sightline marker. This provides operators with a precise visual reference when maneuvering. In cold climates, this detail guides meltwater away and prevents ice forming on the front camera. Additional safety features include a new side entrance and a continuous secure illuminated walkway with handrails around the cab, making daily checks and servicing safer and more accessible for operators and technicians. Meanwhile, cameras in the C-pillar and integrated into the front iron mark address indirect vision limitations, further improving visibility and overall situational awareness. Volvo’s focus on improving operator visibility and safety is matched by its push to bring more electric equipment into the European market. According to the company, Europe is the first region in the world to feature its first fully electric wheeled excavator, the EWR150 Electric. Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com
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EARTHMOVING
When combined with Volvo Load Ticket, certified weight data can be digitally documented and transferred for reporting and billing. (Image: Volvo CE)
This 15–17-tonne zero-emission machine has the same proven performance, comfort and reliability as its conventional diesel equivalent. The EWR150 Electric is designed to travel independently and operate on public roads without the need for a transport trailer. This makes it an efficient and flexible solution for a range of applications, particularly in urban environments where access, noise reduction and sustainability are increasingly important. At the core of the machine is a new electric travel motor. Combined with a hydraulic boom energyrecovery system, this set-up helps to ensure a longer operating time of up to 10 hours, depending on the application, while optimising energy efficiency. There are multiple charging options, including up to 150kW DC fast charging for rapid turnaround or to top-up during breaks. There is also on-board AC charging of up to 22kW to power up the machine overnight. The EWR150 Electric’s compact short-swing design makes it ideal for working in tight, constrained spaces, while fully matching the diesel version in reach, travel speed, lifting capacity and weight range. There is no compromise on capability or versatility. Volvo CE is also looking beyond the machines themselves, developing technology designed to make everyday operations more accurate, efficient and connected. The company is expanding its portfolio of intelligent machine solutions with the
LEFT: Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe chief executive officer Sanho Shin. (Images: Hyundai Construction Equipment)
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introduction of Certifiable On-Board Weighing for Volvo wheel loaders. Fully integrated through Load Assist, the new solution delivers legal-for-trade (LFT) weight measurements directly from the machine. This reduces dependence upon external weighbridges and third-party weighing systems and provides the accuracy, reliability and compliance required for commercial use. The system joins the existing Volvo CE On-Board Weighing solution, which provides high-accuracy weight information designed to improve load optimisation and productivity. Certifiable On-Board Weighing has been developed for customers who require certified accuracy for commercial use, especially valuable in operations where precision directly impacts profitability. The system is type-approved by an independent notified body according to OIML R51 and aligned with MID requirements (EU Directive 2014/32/EU), ensuring it meets strict standards for measurement accuracy, data integrity and security. Unlike external weighing systems, the Volvo solution is built directly into the machine’s digital platform. Operators can monitor weight in real-time via the Volvo Co-Pilot touchscreen, allowing
The EWR150 Electric excavator is designed to travel independently and operate on public roads without the need for a transport trailer. (Image: Volvo CE)
The L50H SL front end loader was created in conjunction with Schiller Special Machines. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
them to adjust loads during operation without interrupting workflows. Using advanced sensors and intelligent software, the system compensates for machine movement, tilt and operating conditions to deliver reliable weight measurements during loading. This is designed to enable certified weight to be measured directly in the loader, effectively turning the machine itself into the weighing point for the operation. By optimising each load, operators can avoid underloading and overloading, helping to reduce fuel consumption, minimise machine wear and prevent transport penalties. When combined with Volvo Load Ticket, certified weight data can be digitally documented and transferred to office systems for reporting and billing. This means customers can generate reliable load documentation and invoices directly from the machine, improving traceability and simplifying administrative workflows. Certifiable On-Board Weighing is available for selected Volvo wheel loaders equipped with Co-Pilot 2.0 and the Load Assist On-Board Weighing system. The models include L110H2, L120H2, L150H and L260H models in certain EU markets. The solution is being introduced market-by-market, depending on local certification requirements and dealer readiness to support installation, calibration and certification processes with a local notified body. Alongside its latest production machines and intelligent technologies, Volvo CE also used the event to highlight how its equipment can be adapted for more specialised applications. Volvo Days included more than 15 machines from Volvo’s Special Application solutions, which allow partners with third-party manufacturers to ‘personalise’ various Volvo base machines for a customer’s specific use. The machines include Volvo’s articulated A30 4x4 and A30 water tank, the low-height ECR145 excavator for tunnel application, EC260 material handler and EC300 semi-long-reach excavator. Of special interest was the L50H SL. This frontend loader, created with Schiller Special Machines, features bucket arms mounted on a gimbal, allowing them to swivel from side to side.
Volvo CE: www.volvoce.com
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EARTHMOVING
Komatsu’s intelligent excavator The latest addition to Komatsu’s excavator range brings together intelligent machine control and advanced automation to make complex jobs more precise, productive and efficient.
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yundai Construction Machinery is planning to develop its presence in the global off-highway machinery sector, consolidating its already strong base. According to Komatsu, its new PC220LCi-12 machine is the most technologically advanced excavator currently available on the market. Demand and industry acceptance is already strong for the machine, which made its debut in 2025, underlining Komatsu’s reputation as a supplier of premium-quality construction equipment. This highly sophisticated unit comes with a vast array of new capabilities said to make it faster, more productive and more efficient than any previous generation piece of equipment available. Vince Porteus is product manager for excavators at Komatsu UK, where the machines are manufactured for the European market. He said the new model offers considerable benefits over previous generation excavators. The machine is equipped with the Intelligent Machine Control (IMC) 3.0 system, which is accessed via the touchscreen. This offers sophisticated features including 3D Boundary, Auto Swing, Swing to Line, Travel Along Line, tiltrotator integration and control, and advanced payload system. The IMC monitor features a standard 3D control system that allows operators to make infield designs. Operators can quickly set the boundary control system by slewing from one position and setting it as a limit, and then moving to the next spot and setting that as a limit. This allows a full range of movements within the set limits, which Komatsu said is unique in the market. The boundary control can be used to ensure the book and bucket of the excavator maintain
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An array of tiltrotators can be used with the PC220LCi-12 excavator. (Images: Prime Global Publishing)
a safe distance from any obstruction or hazard, such as powerlines. When in use, the boundary control will slow the movement of the machine as it approaches the limit points before it softly stops. This helps boost safety considerably when working around hazards but without any sudden halts in movement. A novel feature of the machine is that it can be set to auto swing to speed loading productivity and accuracy. The operator can teach the machine the load and dump points, and it will then respond accordingly, boosting output.
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EARTHMOVING
Safety system
Komatsu is launching a factory-fit Human Detection System as an option on selected UK-built crawler excavators, with factory calibration and full warranty. The system has been tested under common European jobsite conditions and achieves leading detection accuracy, performing reliably across a variety of high-visibility and protective clothing colours. The technology is developed in collaboration with Safety Shield Global, a pioneer in safety solutions for industrial environments. It is designed specifically to deliver real-time detection of people around the machine in heavy plant operations. “At Komatsu, safety is always our number-one priority and is non-negotiable,” Komatsu Europe product marketing general manager James Venerus said. “This collaboration with Safety Shield Global marks a step forward in delivering solutions that enhance jobsite safety and give customers greater peace of mind.”
The PC220LCi-12 offers key benefits over earlier generation excavators, according to Komatsu UK.
Measurements are also taken of each load, with this data recorded wirelessly for future analysis. The payload meter shows the operator the current load of the material in the bucket, the total amount of material loaded into the truck so far in the process, and the desired target load. The tip-off guidance tool then allows the operator to achieve the correct load with the final bucket without risking overloading. Meanwhile, the Swing to Line tool allows for more efficient trenching work. It is designed to ensure the bucket is positioned automatically when digging, delivering a more precise trench edge. The machine can use the Engcon tiltrotator, as well as a range of others, through the tiltrotator integration and control system. This level of flexibility reflects the growing demand for tiltrotators, which are no longer the preserve of machines used in Nordic countries.
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EARTHMOVING
Operators can adjust the response on the sculpted ergonomic control levers to suit their own preferences. A full range of working modes is offered, including eco, standard and full power settings. Operators can also program up to 50 of their own preferred settings. The cab features 16% more interior space and 30% more legroom than the previous model, as well as a larger touchscreen, which has been moved to allow better forward visibility for the operator. The interface also integrates 360° KomVision, climate control, DAB radio, and Bluetooth media and phone connectivity. The machines currently being supplied will retain the detection system from the previous -11 excavator, though a -12 system is in development and will be available in due course. The machine has a 360° camera system for the operator. In the Japanese market, where equipment use may be in tightly controlled sites, the -12 excavators are equipped with radar detection also but this is not fitted to machines for other markets as it would be triggered too often. The Smart Construction dashboard allows the machine owner to see how much work has been completed. This data can in turn be shown to the client, providing productivity details in real-time. This features comes with the machine for one year but can be extended if required.
Komatsu also assists with digitalisation of the jobsite through Smart Construction integration. An important feature is the artificial intelligence (AI) tool that provides simulations of the best way to carry out certain jobs, such as moving material. It can even be used to optimise the machine fleet utilised for a particular job. The company can support the PC220LCi-12 remotely, with the customer receiving this service as part of the machine purchase at no additional subscription cost. The PC220LC1 weighs in at 24.1–24.9 tonnes, depending on specification, with power from a Komatsu 179kW-rated diesel that meets Stage V requirements. The machine features a standard 1.8m3 bucket; however, it can be fitted with a range of attachments and offers more capabilities when fitted with a tiltrotator. The electronically controlled hydraulic system features independently controlled oil flow, cylinder energy regeneration circuits, and higher-capacity Komatsu pumps. Revised arm and bucket cylinder sizes increase digging force, boosting arm crowd and bucket breakout force by 7%, delivers higher loading performance, fast cycle times, and reduced fuel consumption.
Komatsu Europe: www.komatsu.eu
A special feature of the PC220LCi-12 excavator is the auto loading system that boosts truck loading efficiency and productivity.
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CONCRETE PLANTS
RAPID PROGRESS ON ADARE BYPASS
The Rapidmix 400CW plant in Ireland is producing cement bound granular material which is a critical component in modern road construction. (Image: Rapid International)
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apid International recently sold contractor Breedon Ireland a Rapidmix 400CW continuous mixing plant for the Adare Bypass project in County Limerick. The work features 7km motorway, including a major three-span bridge over the River Maigue and a series of new interchanges. Designed to ease congestion through the village of Adare, the scheme carries added importance as
Ireland will host the 2027 Ryder Cup golf tournament at nearby Adare Manor. Breedon Ireland, part of the Breedon Group, is one of Ireland’s major construction materials and contracting businesses. The company, which supplies aggregates, asphalt, cement, readymix concrete and specialist contracting services, has a network of quarries, asphalt plants, concrete plants and
contracting operations, with particular expertise in road construction. Rapid International, based in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, manufactures high-performance mixing technology for the concrete, construction and environmental sectors. It designs and produces mobile continuous mixing plants and concrete batching solutions. Rapid supplies equipment to customers in more than 50 countries for infrastructure, construction and civil engineering projects. Delivering a project the size and complexity of Adare demands engineering expertise and the ability to produce large volumes of high-quality construction materials with consistency and precision. The Rapidmix 400CW plant is producing cement bound granular material, a critical component in modern road construction. With output of up to 400 tonnes per hour and mixing accuracy within 1%, the Rapidmix ensures a consistent, homogenous material essential for long-term road performance and durability.
Mobility has proven to be another defining advantage. The fully self-contained design allows the plant to be quickly deployed and repositioned on-site as construction progresses, reducing downtime and minimising logistical complexity. This flexibility has enabled Breedon Ireland to maintain momentum across different phases of the project while ensuring a steady, reliable material supply. Rapid International has also supported Breedon with technical expertise for smooth integration and dependable operation throughout the construction process. On-site mixing has reduced logistical complexity and the plant’s rapid set-up and ease of operation have contributed to improved efficiency. “It delivers the high output needed to keep pace with a demanding schedule, while consistently producing the quality of material required,” Breedon Ireland managing director contracting division Brian McManus said.
Rapid International: www.rapidinternational.com
EUROMIX modules A notable feature of the EUROMIX wet concrete batching plants – from SBM Mineral Processing in Oberweis, Austria – is the insulated mixer module. The plant features a BHS twin-shaft mixer, dosing technology for binders, water and additives, highpressure water system, compressed air equipment, and plant electrical system. Depending on the model, the mixer modules are designed as units for semitrailers or optionally with undercarriages and can be set up quickly on site by crane. The integrated concrete discharge allows quick and
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safe multi-sided access with truck mixers or dump trucks. The binder silos and aggregate hoppers with integrated belt scales are designed as portable units and have a modular design allowing them to be expanded depending on requirements. EUROMIX modules can be set up on a sufficiently solid surface or on mobile concrete foundations. Plugand-play connections for the control system and electrical components allow plant installation in less than two working days. The EUROMIX series includes models with production capacities ranging from 80-175m³ per hour, which
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enables daily peaks of up to 2000m³ hardened concrete in solo operation.
The EUROMIX batching plant from SBM Mineral Processing in Oberweis, Austria. (Image: SBM)
SBM Mineral Processing: www.sbm-mp.at
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CONCRETE PLANTS
CONCRETE ON DEMAND
Ammann is meeting demand for a self-service concrete plant with its Elba range. (Image: Ammann)
There is a growing market sector that requires only a few hundred litres of concrete and designed to particular specifications. The ability to purchase only the required amount of fresh concrete quickly, reliably and with consistent quality is becoming increasingly attractive to contractors and homeowners alike. But while contractors can avoid the costs and logistical challenges of producing concrete on site, many homeowners are working without the necessary knowledge and experience to prepare their own concrete. Supplying small quantities of ready-mixed concrete has traditionally presented a challenge for the construction industry. Conventional batching plants are optimised for large deliveries. Those who need limited amounts of concrete often face high transport costs, long waiting times or
the inconvenience of mixing concrete manually on site. The Ammann Elba CFS 30 Concrete Filling Station addresses this problem by combining automation, compact design and proven technology into a solution that creates value for operators and end users. Combining automated concrete production with direct customer access, the CFS 30 provides operators with fresh, high-quality concrete on demand. This creates an entirely new service model and possible additional revenue from existing raw material assets. Unlike a conventional readymix operation, the CFS 30 functions like a fully automated fuel station. Customers arrive with a trailer, pick-up truck or small transport vehicle before selecting the required concrete recipe and quantity. The plant automatically produces and dispenses the concrete directly into the vehicle.
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Individual aggregates, cement, water and additives are dosed separately before mixing to help ensure consistently highquality and repeatable results. Recipes can be stored within the control system in order for operators to supply different concrete grades with minimal operator intervention. For the customer, the experience is simple, fast and reliable. For the owner, the plant can operate efficiently with very limited staffing requirements. A further advantage of the Ammann Elba CFS 30 is the availability of an integrated electronic payment system. The plant can be equipped to accept debit and credit card payments, allowing customers to purchase concrete quickly and securely without requiring assistance from site personnel. This transforms the CFS 30 into a true self-service concrete filling station. Once authorised, customers select
the required concrete mix and quantity, complete the payment electronically and collect freshly mixed concrete directly from the plant. The benefits for operators extend well beyond convenience. Automated payment significantly reduces the need for staff involvement in routine transactions, which in turn means opening hours can be extended to allow customers the flexibility to collect concrete outside of beyond business hours. At the same time, plant owners benefit from increased use of their assets and the opportunity to generate additional sales outside conventional operating hours. Although designed for small-volume sales, the CFS 30 is built using the same engineering principles found in larger Ammann Elba batching plants. The compact installation requires only a limited footprint and is supplied in an easy set-up configuration, with electrical and pneumatic systems largely pre-installed. The automated control system offers touchscreen operation, while the mixer technology is designed to ensure consistent concrete quality and rapid cycle times. Customers investing in the Elba CFS 30 benefit from the engineering expertise, product support and global service network of Ammann, which has been serving the construction industry for more than 150 years. The concrete technology incorporated in the CFS 30 also draws on more than 75 years of experience in concrete mixing, combining the heritage of Elba with Ammann’s commitment to continuous innovation. This long-standing expertise is reflected in the reliability of the plant, the precision of the batching and mixing technology, and the robust design expected by producers operating in demanding environments.
Ammann: www.ammann.com
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RECYCLING
Recycling materials efficiently Wirtgen Group technology is helping German contractor Kutter turn reclaimed asphalt pavement into high-quality material for new asphalt mixes.
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aterials are being recycled efficiently and productively by a contractor in Germany using the latest generation equipment from the Wirtgen Group. The contractor, Kutter, based in Germany’s Allgäu region, is using a processing train comprising Kleemann machines to handle milled cuttings from road maintenance works, turning the material into a feed suitable for use in asphalt mixes. The processing train comprises a MOBISCREEN MSS 502 EVO scalper, a MOBIREX MR 100 NEO impact crusher and two MOBIBELT stackers. The machines feature the latest digital solutions, helping deliver efficient recycling of reclaimed asphalt to meet necessary quality standards. The Kleemann plant train is said to deliver precise, effective and cost-efficient processing of the milled material, producing homogeneous fractions that meet the standards for using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the production of new asphalt mixes. The interlinked processes in asphalt recycling begin with selective milling as surface layers, binder courses and base layers are removed selectively using the Wirtgen road planers, boosting the quality of the RAP. After screening and crushing via the Kleemann plant train, the material is delivered to the asphalt plant, where it becomes part of the new mix. Vögele and Hamm machines complete the full cycle with paving and compaction, resulting in an efficient cycle from reclamation and processing to reuse.
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German contractor Kutter is using a plant train from Kleemann to process milled material for use as RAP in new asphalt mixes.
The first processing step is to feed reclaimed asphalt ranging in size from 0–120mm to the scalper. However, the feed can include large slabs of milled material with an edge length of up to 500mm, a result of concretion during stockpiling, and such large pieces have to be crushed to a manageable size before further processing. The MSS 502 EVO scalper delivers a usable final product containing the highest proportion of bitumen. The second product from the MSS 502 EVO bypasses the MR 100 NEO via the middle grain conveyor and the MBT 20 stacker and is mixed with the final product from the MR 100 NEO. The third product from the MSS 502 EVO, the oversize grain, is passed to the MR 100 NEO, which produces a further final product. The process results a series of homogeneous final products that can be fed into the asphalt mixing plant with an optimum feed rate. A second MBT 24 stacker provides additional material stockpiling capacity. Kutter asphalt mixing plant manager Simone Eichiner has been very satisfied with the performance of the plant train. “The crusher and the screens deliver a material that contains a lower proportion of fines and better fulfil the requirements of the desired grading curve,” she said. “That’s important when it comes to the production of asphalt mixes in line with the relevant standards. On top of this, the low fuel consumption and simultaneously increased hourly output reduce the operating costs.”
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RECYCLING
The fact the contractor works at a number of different locations means it is vital that the mobile Kleemann plants can be relocated quickly and adapted to different conditions. The Kleemann plant train processes up to 240 tonnes per hour. After crushing in the impact crusher, the material is separated into two specified final grain sizes: 0–11mm for surface and binder courses, and 0–22mm for base layers and binder courses. Both fractions are delivered to the asphalt mixing plant and used in the production of new mixes. Kutter crusher operator Thomas Guggenmoser especially appreciates the handling of the machine, as well the Lock & Turn quick access function. “The system enables quick and safe opening of the crusher for maintenance and checking, and has proved to be very useful in our daily operations,” he said. “It reduces idle times to a minimum and saves us a lot of time and stress. “All told, the access to the central service and maintenance points is really very good.” SPECTIVE CONNECT has also proved to be a valuable asset on-site. The digital application provides real-time information on consumption, production performance, utilisation rates and possible faults. The precise fault localisation enables significantly faster remediation of interruptions in ongoing operations. It also allows Guggenmoser to check the plant status at any time.
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Key specifications • Feed material: reclaimed asphalt pavement 0–120mm, with occasional slabs of milled material with edge lengths of up to 500mm • Output: 0–11mm and 0–22mm final grain, from base layer 0–32mm • Plant train throughput: 240 tonnes per hour The new plant benefits from sophisticated telematics, allowing efficient operation and ease of maintenance. (Images: Wirtgen Group)
“That makes everything more efficient and avoids unnecessary service callouts and interruptions,” he said. For Kutter, the overview of all processes, from reclaiming the RAP material to the finished asphalt, is highly important. The Wirtgen Group offers complete portfolio of machines and plants for every task, from materials production to road construction from a single source. And Kutter appreciates individual brands’ application consulting services. “This interaction optimises the overall process,” Eichiner said. “The consultants also look outside the box. The focus is on the applications, not on the individual products. That has proved to be an enormous advantage.”
Wirtgen: www.wirtgen-group.com
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UTILITY EQUIPMENT
Major drive for electric mini market share Urbanisation remains the strongest driver of the global electric mini excavator market, and equipment and battery makers are rising to meet demand.
DIMAAG has developed a swappable fast-charging electric power package for a Hitachi ZX17 mini excavator. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
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ealthy growth in the global mini excavator market is good for the sector’s subset, the electric version of the small versatile machines. The global mini excavator market is projected to grow from just over US$8 billion to US$8.63 billion in 2027, according to a report by the India-based Business Industry Research. This should further rise to US$15.64 billion by 2035, according to the report, ‘Mini Excavators Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis’, published this year. Urbanisation remains the strongest driver of the mini excavator market, according to the report. More than 55% of global construction projects in 2024 were linked to municipal housing and residential expansions. The report also notes that battery-powered and hybrid models accounted for 12% of global new sales in 2024, and adoption is expected to rise further in emissionregulated zones. Europe leads with 19% of deliveries being electric. However, the transition to electric mini excavators is not being driven by market growth alone, with government policy and incentives playing an increasingly important role in determining where adoption takes place. The market is often driven by urban councils that require electric equipment to be used on site, according to another report, ‘Global Construction Equipment Markets’, published in April by UK-based Off-Highway Research.
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UTILITY EQUIPMENT
In China specifically, much of the momentum has come because of subsidies around manufacturing and scrappage schemes designed to improve air quality by providing an incentive for old, more polluting diesel machines to be traded in for electric versions. The Off-Highway report goes on to say the only countries outside China where electric machines have achieved any significant penetration are Norway and the Netherlands, both of which offer subsidy schemes for the purchase of electric construction equipment. These regional differences highlight the challenge facing manufacturers, which must balance growing demand for zero-emission equipment with relatively limited uptake of electric machines in many markets. Nonetheless, electric mini excavators remain an important global market and cannot be ignored by equipment manufacturers.
Develon’s new DX23E-7 features an enclosed cab and a battery capacity of 32kWh, as well as another version with a battery capacity of 40kWh. It also offers the option of quick coupler piping for work with attachments. For electric mini excavators to gain wider acceptance, however, the focus must extend beyond emissions and into the practical considerations that determine how effectively they can perform on site. While a city council may stipulate that contractors must use electric equipment, a contractor must in turn look at efficiencies of its fleet to be used on site. That is why electric machines are often compared to their diesel equivalents or comparable machines. Develon has taken this on board. The company said the DX23E-7 offers better performance than the diesel DX19-7, upon which it is based, with a 5% higher lifting capacity and improved stability.
Fitting the electric system involved removing the frame cross plate from the DX19-7 and allowing an extra 35mm at the rear for the battery pack installation. With the standard 32kWh unit, the machine provided a runtime of around eight hours, depending on the application. It offers a charging time of six hours to reach 100% using 3–6kW charge points, or 1.5 hours with 150kW fast charging. But long days on site can be challenging for electric mini excavators, which is why DIMAAG, a company specialising in industrial artificial intelligence, electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems, has developed a swappable fast-charging electric power package for a Hitachi ZX17 mini excavator, a zerotailswing model. The prototype was exhibited at bauma 2025 in Munich. A battery pack with six swappable modules was set up, although it can operate with only two of the units if required.
These can be offered by a rental firm as part of the service for customers as data from the batteries can be monitored continuously, providing alerts ahead of time when a new unit will be required. The battery modules weigh 18kg each and deliver 10kW, with the a 12-module configuration providing 120kW of power and a battery-pack capacity of 24kWh. Electric mini excavators are becoming increasingly important in a growing market, with adoption dependent on policy, incentives and site requirements. As technology improves, the challenge is making them competitive with diesel alternatives.
Develon: https://eu.develon-ce.com Hitachi: www.hitachicm.com DIMAAG: www.dimaag.ai Off-Highway Research: www.offhighwayresearch.com Business Industry Research: www. businessresearchinsights.com
BEHIND EVERY ROAD, THERE’S A STORY.
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EQUIPMENT
VERSATILE EXCAVATOR Hitachi’s new ZX95US-7 SLF excavator offers extra versatility for the compact class with its long-reach capabilities, the company said. This is the smallest model in Hitachi’s super long front excavator range, with a 10m reach and a longer boom and arm than the standard ZX95US-7. The extended reach provides benefits such as slope finishing, while maintaining a safe working distance. The machine is said to offer reliability, efficiency and productivity with low running costs and power from a 50.4kw Stage V-compliant engine, which does not require a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Operators can control the fuel efficiency using the new ECO (economy) gauge.
Hitachi’s new long reach machine offers extra versatility. (Image: Hitachi Construction Machinery)
The compact size and short turning radius enable the machine to work efficiently and safely in restricted spaces, while its 9.5-tonne operating weight results in low ground pressure. The ZX95US-7 SLF offers a cab with high comfort and safety features such as the aerial angle camera system for a 270° bird’s eye view. Operators can
choose from six image options to view the surroundings. The machine has LED work lights and a windscreen wiper with an increased sweeping area, while repositioned lights on the boom and cab of the ZX95US-7 SLF illuminate job sites effectively. The spacious engine compartment makes it convenient to carry out servicing
and maintenance. In addition, the radiator is accessible and the battery is straightforward to replace. All filters are readily available in one compartment for quick and easy replacement.
Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe: www.hcme.com
Wider attachment range
The versatile TF cutting heads from Simex can be used in a range of duties, such as trenching, profiling and scaling. (Image: Prime Global Publishing)
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Simex has further developed its range of machine attachments with the addition of several new models to the line-up. The firm now offers an array of screening buckets, from the compact VSE 2.2 model to the VSE 30. The VSE 2.2 unit is designed for carriers from 1.5–10 tonnes, allowing it to be used with a range of machines such as compact tracked loaders, backhoe loaders and either wheeled or crawler excavators. The top-of-the-range VSE 30 suits carriers from 8–50 tonnes such as wheeled and crawler excavators. As it is a larger unit with higher output, the VSE 30 has additional features, one of which allows the operator to adjust output size between
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0.15–0.55mm without having to leave the cab. The CBA 30 crusher bucket can be used to break up asphalt or concrete being windrowed behind a milling machine, although it cannot be used with reinforced concrete. This unit efficiently reduces materials in size and allows users to process material so to be recycled. It suits carriers such as wheeled and crawler excavators that weigh from 12–40 tonnes. One of the most versatile units in the current Simex lineup is the TF 1100 cutting head, which can be used for trenching work on roads, profiling in quarries or scaling in tunnelling operations, as well as a wide range of other duties. The firm
said the TF cutting heads are now being used in an increased number of operations, as they are highly productive and quieter in operation than hydraulic breakers, and they leave a more consistent surface finish. Cutting heads also typically generate lower levels of stress on carrier machines than hydraulic breakers, reducing wear and tear for equipment, as well as maintenance needs. Different types and configurations of picks can be fitted to suit the application type and the material being worked. The TF 1100 unit suits carriers weighing from 12–40 tonnes.
Simex: www.simex.it/en-gb
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ONSITE
A customer in Switzerland is making use of Develon’s innovative autonomous machine technology (image: Develon Europe)
Develon’s autonomous excavation Autonomous excavation has moved from demonstration to the real world with a Develon autonomous excavation being used in Switzerland. Swiss firm KIBAG is taking a technological lead in construction by reportedly being the first company in the world to put an autonomous Develon Real-X crawler excavator, a joint development with Gravis Robotics, into practical use. Executives from leading companies in Europe and South Korea travelled to Tuggen in north-eastern Switzerland for the handover of the machine and to watch it get digging. A close look revealed that not only was no operator in the cab but it was not being operated by remote control. Urs Helbling, chief executive officer (CEO) of AG für Baumaschinen Schmerikon (AGFBS), the Develon dealer in Switzerland, said this moment had been preceded by two years of preparatory work. The key players are the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Real-X system on a Develon
DX225LC-7X excavator, and a company that is open to the use of new technologies. KIBAG is a family-run business that operates 14 gravel pits, three quarries, 25 concrete plants and 17 construction companies specialising in road construction, civil engineering and specialist sectors. KIBAG chief procurement officer (CPO) Urs Kordeuter said that to ensure the fleet remains at the cutting edge of technology, 200 of its machines are replaced annually. In the interests of sustainability, the company is currently investing in electric-powered equipment and is collaborating with various construction machinery manufacturers. As a pioneer in autonomous machine technology, Develon unveiled its Concept-X system in 2019 and used this to showcase the unmanned construction site, where safety and efficiency are enhanced
The autonomous Develon excavator is offering efficiency, productivity and safety. (Image: Develon Europe)
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through the use of 5G networks, drone surveying and autonomous machine control. bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, saw Develon take the next step with Real-X, creating a new intelligent crawler excavator capable of autonomously carrying out trench excavation, earthworks and truck loading. Real-X is the result of an agreement between HD XiteSolution (HDX), the holding company of Develon, and Gravis Robotics AG. Founded in October 2022, Gravis Robotics is a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). The company’s core expertise lies in developing learningbased control systems as retrofit kits and software that transform machines into fully autonomous robots capable of performing complex tasks. According to Gravis Robotics chief technology officer (CTO) and co-founder Dominic Jud, the company has gained experience through the use of autonomous machines in pipeline construction. “We were able to build on that, yet every project presents new challenges, be it the depth of the trench or the ground conditions,” Jud said. The new machine in Switzerland is being used on the
site of a former KIBAG quarry, which is now being restored to its natural state. The backfilling has already been completed, terraces have been created, and a road is planned for the site. While the operation of autonomous construction machinery in public spaces is not yet clearly regulated, the machine can be operated autonomously on KIBAG’s private land, overseen by a technical supervisor. Site manager Gabriel Hasler has tasked the new Develon DX225LC-7X excavator with digging a 300x6x3m trench. “We are replacing poorquality material with significantly better material,” Hasler said. “The machine is doing an exceptional job.” The machine’s performance is the result of a development process that began with an initial concept and progressed through collaboration between the project partners. “The idea for this project was conceived in 2024 based on a prototype from Develon,” Helbling said. “We then made the necessary contacts at bauma 2025, and in the summer of 2025 KIBAG decided to use the DX225LC-7X in this configuration.”
Develon: eu.develon-ce.com/en
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SKIDMARKS
“Our Skidmarks page is highly rated by readers. Your input could help make this page even better. If you come across any amusing road-related stories, pictures or videos, email me at mike.woof@ primeglobalpublishing.com,” Mike Woof
GO SLOW
A driver in Ireland was caught speeding excessively at 118km/h on a stretch of road to the north of the Irish capital, Dublin, despite a 50km/h speed limit. The police who had decided to crack down on speeding across Ireland that day were less than impressed. Several other drivers were stopped for excessive speeding, including one who hit 109km/h on a stretch of the R148 with a speed limit of 80km/h in County Kildare, while others clocked at more than 110km/h on 100km/h limit sections of the N15 and N17. Another driver was clocked at 148km/h on a stretch of the M4 with a 120km/h limit, while one was recorded at 148km/H on the R478 in County Clare.
WHICH WAY?
An Amazon delivery driver in the UK recently experienced what could be described as an embarrassing incident. The man was following the directions given on his GPS, which directed him towards a tidal roadway linking to Foulness Island at the mouth of the River Thames. However, the GPS neglected to tell the man that the tide was coming in. He drove for a short distance along the roadway until his vehicle
50
stalled and he had to abandon it. Luckily, the driver was unharmed. The vehicle was later recovered but since the incident was photographed by several people, the driver will unfortunately not be spared any embarrassment.
PAY THE FINE
A woman in the UK was concerned about being fined for speeding and receiving penalty points on her licence after passing a speed camera while driving in excess of the posted limit. Her husband took action, contacting a person on TikTok who claimed to be an expert in dealing with such incidents by taking the points instead. After paying the holder of the TikTok account £300 to take the points, the man quickly found out the address given was false and that his wife would have to pay the fine and take the penalty points after all.
FOOT FIRST
A man in the UK was recently playing football (soccer) when he suffered a serious injury; a hard tackle left him with injuries to his foot and arm. He managed to drive most of the way to his home, parking his car around 200m from his house. He then called a rideshare vehicle and had the
GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.4
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EDITOR’S PHOTO OF T You are be HE MONTH ing watch ed! driver take him to the local hospital for treatment. The medical team treated him for the injuries and said he would not be able to drive his car for a few weeks. When he finally returned to his car, two weeks later, he noticed a note placed in a plastic bag under the windscreen wiper. A neighbour had left the note, complaining that parking in the street was difficult due to a lack of sufficient spaces and that it was for residents only. As a resident, he was irritated at the content of the note, with the person who left it also having not been identified.
HOW FAST?
A man from Wales is likely regretting posting video footage of his exploits behind the wheel. The man managed to reach a speed of 240km/h in his Rolls Royce on a stretch of motorway. He filmed himself and then posted the footage on social media. Police were alerted to the footage and, using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, were able to trace footage of the vehicle and
identify it. When the owner was contacted he denied having been behind the wheel at the time, but further investigation showed him to have been the driver. He was sentenced to a 12-month prison stretch, with a three-year ban from driving to commence on his release. He will also have to undertake a retest before being allowed a driving licence again, while the size of his fine plus the jump in insurance costs might make him think twice about speeding so excessively again.
NEVER MIND THE BOLLARDS
A council in the UK is now removing bollards it spent £40,000 to have installed. The bollards are intended to prevent unauthorised vehicle access to public land; however, they have been deemed a health and safety threat as they are too short and present a trip hazard. Larger bollards will be installed instead, with the total bill now expected to reach £78,000.
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• INNOVATIVE • POWER ASSISTED LIFT • CEN/TS TESTED
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