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2026 VOL. 1

DIGITAL INSIGHTS

CONTRAFLOW Machinery market for 2026

A selection of the editor's top stories from this month's online and social media channels...

EDITOR, Mike Woof mwoof@ropl.com

“How the North American construction machinery market will develop in 2026 remains to be seen”

Editorial Editor Mike Woof

Deputy Editor David Arminas Sub-Editor Elizabeth Kaye Editorial Contributors Shem Oirere, Kristina Smith, Mauro Nogarin, Eugene Gerden, Partha Basistha, Lucio Garofolo Editorial Consultant Geoff Hadwick

ith the construction machinery sector focusing on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada, during March, there is considerable speculation what will be achieved in 2026. Various mergers have been discussed between some major firms, although whether these will be permitted by the authorities remains to be seen. With its emphasis on the Americas, the CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibition shows a very specific slant on this global industry. USbased manufacturers maintain a particularly strong impression at the CONEXPO-CON/AGG event. Many of the machines unveiled at CONEXPO-CON/AGG are aimed predominantly at North American use, although the Latin American market tends to follow the US in terms of equipment usage and construction standards. But European, Japanese, South Korean and, increasingly, Chinese manufacturers also have a strong showing at the exhibition. It is worth noting, too, that firms from Europe, Japan, South Korea have also developed their respective operations in North America, in many cases developing equipment for the needs of this market. What is clear is that a wide array of new machines and technologies will be unveiled at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026. As in recent years, a major focus will be on new technology, with systems helping deliver connected construction playing a prominent role in the show. The impact of tariffs on imports has been harsh for the US construction market but some overseas firms have addressed this to a degree through acquisitions of US companies. How the North American construction machinery market will develop in 2026 remains to be seen. There is certainly potential for major construction works, with the US, in particular, requiring extensive upgrades and rehabilitation work for its transport network. The US has major issues with its bridges and while improvement works have been carried out to many crossings, there are still many, many more requiring repairs or complete replacement. In such a market, demand for new construction machines should be healthy but uncertainty over international trade can depress revenue for manufacturers. End

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CONTENTS 2026 VOL. 1

03 CONTRAFLOW

39 ASPHALT PLANTS

How the global construction machinery market will develop in 2026 remains to be seen, with manufacturers having focussed on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 exhibition in Las Vegas

06 NEWS & CONTRACTS

Report highlighting delayed EU transport links; Missing Link highway project for India; tunnel breakthrough in Italy

09 CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Liebherr’s modelling tool; efficient materials supply from Pan United; Xwatch’s new control system; Hexagon unites technology brands; Bentley expands offering; compaction system from Trimble; digital tools and material tracking with Smart Construction

Upgrading a continuous plant in France

41 BITUMEN TECHNOLOGY 19 HIGHWAY & SAFETY

Global Highways sponsors Intertraffic Infra Stage; managing workzones with Lindsay; Rebloc and Tertu offer safety options; smart systems from Blyncsy and XenomatiX; Kistler’s bridge monitor; TrafFix and SRL delivering safety systems; pro-active road-maintenance project in Ohio

D1-D6 KEY PROJECT

New paving machines from Sumitomo have delivered a high-quality runway surface for an airport in Italy

14 IRF

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56 EQUIPMENT

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34 ASPHALT PAVING

48 ENGINES

Caterpillar’s latest-generation ADTs offer major gains in performance and efficiency

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Mabey Hire leads the way in Leeds; Hymat jacks; The best for Beissner

51 EARTHMOVING

D13 RECYCLING

IRF Global Road Achievement Award winners announced; three global infrastructure events for 2026

45 BRIDGES

The latest generation of engines and power systems delivers key advantages for lowering emissions, while boosting performance

D7-D12 NORTH AMERICA NEWS

16 IRF

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Use of warm mix in Europe; optimising RAP use with AI; revisiting rejuvenated road with Iterchimica technology

Komatsu’s versatile loader; Wacker Neuson’s latest compact models

57 ONSITE

Ammann plants for Dubai; Develon units for UK quarry

Rhineland road-paving train; resurfacing Cheddar Gorge; advanced steering control for paving; sensitive road repairs

58 SKIDMARKS

Further humorous road-related stories from around the world

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EU’S MEGA TRANSPORT PROJECTS DELAYED

requirements and unexpected technical issues have also arisen. One of the major projects delayed is the 18km Fehmarnbelt crossing, a road and rail link under the Baltic Sea. The tunnel connects the German island of Fehmarn with the Danish island of Lolland. The project was intended to be ready in 2018 but will be delayed. The cost of the work meanwhile has ballooned by over 50%. The project is expected to cost over €7.6 billion just for the tunnel. Further expenditure will be needed to connect the tunnel to road and rail links.

A new report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlights how the construction of Europe’s flagship transport infrastructures has been affected by rising costs and delays

met” five years ago to a clear “will not be met” now. Core cross-border transport corridors are crucial for the European economy and the EU auditors have updated the key data and observations from the 2020 special report on the subject. The outlook in 2025 is worse than in 2020, and falls

India’s Missing Link road project India’s important Missing Link project is due to open to traffic on 1st May 2026. Located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the centre piece of the Missing Link is an impressive cable-stayed bridge spanning Tiger Valley and featuring an innovative design. The project will provide a bypass for the 9km ghat section near Lonavala and Khandala, which has been notorious for poor road safety and frequent crashes. The new link will also cut journey times by 20-30 minutes as the ghat section is unable to cope with traffic

demand and can have long tailbacks at peak periods. The new bypass features an improved alignment and removes the numerous sharp curves that have made the ghat stretch so dangerous. The stretch has also suffered from several landslides that have blocked the route at various times and which occur most frequently during the monsoon period. The safety of this stretch is of concern, particularly when the weather conditions are poor. There were 191 serious crashes on the Khandala Ghat stretch in 2024 according to official data.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

far short of what was envisaged. Since 2020, these megaprojects have faced a series of additional challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. New regulatory

€1 BILLION COVER FOR FRANKFURT HIGHWAY

expensive at €1 billion from the €350 million when proposed in 2019. Funding for the project would have to be sourced from the German Federal Government and the Hesse State Government. The project will cut traffic congestion in the Riederwald area of the city.

The €1 billion plan to cover a 1.3km stretch of Autobahn in Frankfurt, Germany has been approved. The project would see a 1.3km stretch of highway in the East of the city being placed in a cut and cover tunnel. A green area for public use would be located above the roadway, with the project intended to reduce noise and traffic congestion for the city. The project has been discussed for some time, but is now more

$2.1 BILLION AUSTRALIAN HIGHWAY PROJECT DELAYED

he report is an update of observations and findings from a similar audit performed in 2020. As a result, the EU auditors have changed their assessment of the 2030 goal for the completion of the core TransEuropean Transport Network (TEN-T) from “unlikely to be

Discussions are being held in Australia for the $2.1 billion (A$3.2 billion) M6 motorway project in New South Wales. Work had to be halted on a 244m section of twin tube tunnels when a sinkhole measuring 10m in diameter appeared on the surface in Sydney’s Rockdale area in March 2025. Officials from the New South Wales State Government are discussing the problems with contractors involved in the project, in an attempt to secure a technical resolution. Completion of the project will now be 36 months later than first planned. The M6 project is intended to help reduce traffic congestion in Sydney.

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NEWS

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TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH FOR SOUTH ITALY HIGHWAY

The Avena viaduct is the most architecturally significant overpass of the entire project, featuring distinctive V-shaped steel piers. Another of the key structures is the Annunziata viaduct, which spans over 900m with a single carriageway and features a distinctive two-level steel-concrete composite deck, one for each direction. The Ferro viaduct meanwhile stands 20m tall and stretching over 500m, it features a mixed steel-concrete structure with 11 spans. Its construction required 2,800tonnes of steel and more than 23,000m3 of concrete. When work commenced, the total project value for ANAS was some €1.33 billion, although this figure included additional costs. The Third Megalotto is the main project along the Calabrian section of the Jonica State Road 106. The project includes a 38km dualcarriageway route featuring 14 tunnels for a total of 10km, and 15 viaducts spanning 7km.

he project is being carried out by Webuild and was commissioned by Italy’s state road agency, Azienda Nazionale Autonoma delle Strade (ANAS). The second breakthrough was completed on the 3.3km tunnel, one of the key structures of the SS106 and the longest tunnel along the route. Overall progress on the project has reached about 80%. The SS106 will improve connectivity along the Ionian coasts of Calabria, Basilicata and Puglia, improving access to numerous coastal municipalities and linking the A14 and A2 highways. Among the most complex and significant structures of the Mega Lot, the dual-tube Trebisacce tunnel is being excavated using traditional methods. By spring, the final two of the tunnel’s four breakthroughs will be completed, marking the end of the excavation phase.

UK’s £11 billion Lower Thames Crossing work starting Construction work is due to commence for the massive Lower Thames Crossing project in the UK. Costing at least £11 billion, the link will feature dualbore tunnels connecting Kent and Essex, running under the River Thames. When complete, this will be the longest road tunnel in the UK. The project has been discussed for decades and was originally planned to be a bridge. The tunnel was then considered as being more suitable. The link is needed owing to the high traffic volumes using the existing Dartford Crossing with its twin tunnels and

$5 BILLION LOAN FOR TURKEY TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT

Turkey is to benefit from major transport development infrastructure works. The country’s Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has brought together a $5 billion loan package from the World Bank, the Far East Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank and various European Banks. Plans are in hand for a new highway to link the capital, Ankara, with Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul. Work is due for completion for the new highway linking Ankara with Kirikkale and Delice in 2027. GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

bridge. The Dartford Crossing is carrying more traffic than it was designed for and delays are frequent. As this is a major transport artery connecting the UK with overseas trade, boosting capacity has been of national importance. Completion of the Lower Thames Crossing is expected in 2030, joining the A2, A13 and M25. The project will set engineering precedents as it will be the first to be carried out without diesel-powered vehicles allowed on site. Construction machines used for the project will either be electric or fuelled by hydrogen.

Construction workers have made the breakthrough for the Trebisacce Tunnel stretch of the new SS106 route in South Italy. The work forms part of the Third Mega Lot of the Jonica State Road (SS106) in Calabria

The Zangezur Corridor connecting the Turkish city of Kars with the autonomous republic of Nakhichevan is also being planned and could be ready for use by 2030.

Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

LIEBHERR’S MODELLING SYSTEM Liebherr is offering a new Free Modelling assistance package which is intended to boost efficiency for construction-site management

his solution allows machine operators to generate simple 3D site models directly from their Liebherr machine cabs. By integrating a GNSS machine-control system with advanced sensors and real-time data visualisation, Free Modelling allows operators to make decisions based on site conditions. The technology is said to streamline operations and boost work quality. Using the tool allows realtime 3D site modelling. Operators can visualise projects in three dimensions, streamlining construction and allowing immediate feedback on site conditions. This helps ensure that projects are on track and in budget. The system reduces reliance on site surveyors, saving time and reducing labour costs.

ABOVE Liebherr’s new modelling tool allows for more efficient site construction

Operators can adapt quickly to changing site conditions. Integrating Free Modelling into roadconstruction operations speeds project completion. The ability to create and modify models from machinery allows for rapid adjustments, boosting productivity. Free Modelling increases accuracy by providing real-time data, which reduces the risk of errors. This ensures that operators are working with accurate data, allowing them to improve the quality of their work. The technology promotes better collaboration among team members because the real-time data is accessible to all stakeholders. By reducing the need for site surveyors and minimising rework, construction companies can optimise resource allocation and minimise waste, boosting profitability. Liebherr has prioritised creating an intuitive interface that allows operators to navigate the system with ease. This focus on user experience ensures that operators can use the technology without extensive training. The interface features clear visualisations and easy-to-understand controls. Operators can switch between different views, zoom in on specific areas, and manipulate the 3D models. Training programs can familiarise operators with the system. The ability to visualise projects in 3D allows for better planning of resource use. Operators can identify potential issues before they arise, leading to more efficient use of materials and reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes. End www.liebherr.com

Sophisticated concrete supply Pan-United Corporation says it has made a major leap forward in the ready-mix concrete (RMC) and logistics space. Its technology subsidiary, AiR Digital Solutions, is making operations more efficient and boosting decarbonisation for RMC producers, logistics companies and operations with complex logistics needs. The firm’s AI-powered, end-to-end operations-management system has built digital intelligence systems for more than 20 companies, spanning Southeast Asia, North Asia and Australasia. The customer portfolio includes New Zealand-based independent RMC producer Bridgeman Concrete, Malaysian

quarry company East Rock and Singaporebased concrete-product manufacturer Eastern Continent Construction. AiR Digital is a proprietary, configurable intelligent solution, designed in-house, that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable data-driven, automated decisionmaking for end-to-end operations. Delivery schedules, resource allocation, order and fleet deployment, and more, are optimised in real time. Benefits include achieving up to 45% manpower savings, higher productivity from 20% improved fleet utilisation and reallocation of staff to boost customer support.

www.panunited.com.sg

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GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Full safety system from Xwatch Xwatch Safety Solutions now offers the Electronic Valve Control (EVC) system which is designed to work exclusively with the new Mk2 platform. The package provides full safety control for a growing class of machines equipped with electronically controlled hydraulics. Until now, these machines, such as the JCB Hydradig and Caterpillar’s next-generation equipment, have not been compatible with conventional safety systems built for hydraulic control. For example, Caterpillar’s 320 and 323 models use electrohydraulic main control valves, eliminating traditional pilot

lines and making conventional integration impossible. With EVC, Xwatch can manage critical parameters, including height, slew and

rated capacity, on machines utilising electronic hydraulic architecture. Building on the success of the Xwatch Electric over

Hydraulic Control (EOHC) system, the new EVC system can deliver compatibility with OEM machines that rely entirely on electronic hydraulic architecture. The EVC system is built on the foundations of the new Mk2 platform, Xwatch’s nextgeneration safety system. Mk2 combines proven reliability with smarter engineering and full OEM integration. With a PL d-rated safety architecture (ISO 13849-1), 30% faster installation, and telematicsready connectivity, Mk2 sets a new standard for protecting machines and operators on complex construction sites.

www.hexagon.com

HEXAGON IS UNITING BRANDS Hexagon is introducing Hexagon Multivista which will bring together Voyansi, LocLab, Construction Analysis (formerly Avvir), and Multivista under one brand. This will provide a single, integratedservices portfolio for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. The move addresses challenges, including inefficient and fragmented workflows, technology overload and unclear ROI. By bringing together its Capture, Create, Analyse services, Hexagon Multivista provides a link from jobsite-reality-capture to digital modelling and automated construction analysis. This move simplifies vendor management for customers and improves collaboration between teams, reduces the complexity of project

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

ABOVE Hexagon is uniting brands to deliver a connected link for customers

management, and allows customers to maximise value by providing data and insights across every stage of the project lifecycle. “Construction is steadily moving from isolated tools toward more connected ways of working but many organisations still have to piece solutions together themselves,” says Luis Pascual, president and CEO of Multivista, part of Hexagon. “We have listened to our customers and built a service portfolio that reflects their needs, focused on making construction simpler and more efficient. Today, we are bringing these capabilities together within a clearer structure that aligns with how they work across the different phases of construction.” End www.hexagon.com Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

BENTLEY BUYS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Bentley Systems is acquiring Talon Aerolytics, as well as the technology and technical expertise of Pointivo. These acquisitions strengthen Bentley’s Asset Analytics portfolio which applies digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) to help owner-operators improve asset performance and resilience across infrastructure. Bentley Asset Analytics includes OpenTower iQ for telecommunication towers and Blyncsy for road networks. The new acquisitions extend Bentley’s offerings in both telecommunications and electric utilities, enabling integrated digital workflows that support global 5G deployments and grid modernisation. Talon provides solutions for site surveys, inspections, and asset digitisation across wireless telecom, broadband and electric utilities. Its platform combines workflow automation, digital twins and AI, enabling organisations to improve productivity for recurring tasks and inspections and gain insights

ABOVE Bentley Systems continues to expand its portfolio with two strategic acquisitions, delivering AI solutions for digital twins

into ongoing asset conditions. The acquisition of Pointivo’s technologies, including its intellectual property and technical expertise, provides additional capabilities for Bentley Asset Analytics, spanning dronedata processing, AI-powered damage detection and geolocation. James Lee, chief operating officer, Bentley Systems, said: "These acquisitions represent a major investment in scaling our Bentley Asset Analytics offering. By deploying AI across infrastructure sectors, we are enabling continuous inspections to improve performance and maintenance for asset owners. Talon pioneered this business model, validated by its profitable growth and pipeline of enterprise-wide contracts. This move marks an important milestone, adding to our technical and business momentum and strengthening our leadership in the burgeoning market of Asset Analytics.” End www.bentley.com

Sophisticated compaction for India Trimble is now offering an easyto-install system configuration of the Trimble Earthworks grade-control platform and Trimble Roadworks pavingcontrol platform for soil and asphalt compaction in India. The new system is available as a Trimble Works subscription. It provides Trimble compaction control with fewer individual components, allowing contractors to get to work faster on highway-infrastructure projects. As a part of the Trimble Works subscription, customers purchase system hardware and a corresponding subscription for all on-machine and digital sitemanagement cloud software for a single price.

The Trimble compactioncontrol system is available in a 3D configuration, designed to help operators of all skill levels improve the speed, accuracy and ease of asphalt and soil compaction. It can be moved

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

easily from one machine to another, suiting it to use with rental equipment. Compaction production information can be viewed, managed and generated into reports. These can be shared with project

stakeholders such as inspectors and government agencies. Jeff Drake, director, civil construction emerging market solutions at Trimble said: “This new, easy-to-use configuration is a win for contractors, project owners and commerce in India. The technology allows even inexperienced machine operators to work faster and with greater accuracy and it enables project owners to confirm the job was done correctly.” “The solution is available at a lower cost of entry to enable greater adoption by Indian contractors,” said Rajan Aiyer, vice president and managing director - India, Trimble.

www.trimble.com

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CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

STAY SMART ONSITE WITH SMART CONSTRUCTION

Ian De Dobbelaere, commercial project manager at Komatsu Smart Construction, says that digital tools and material tracking can transform reactive operations towards proactive, data-driven leadership. Construction sites are dynamic and ever-changing - terrain shifts daily, material placement fluctuates and unexpected obstacles are the norm. Machines equipped with onboard sensors, cameras, LiDAR and proximity detection are still fundamentally reactive. These machines are limited to respond to what is in front of them, not to the wider context of the job. On a construction site that shifts daily, reactive autonomy can avoid collisions but cannot anticipate production risks, optimise a haul sequence or adapt to design changes happening 300m away. Shifting from reactive to proactive construction involves moving away from fixing problems once they occur to predicting and preventing them. Proactivity relies on data, planning and risk management to improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimise delays. Proactive operations require a full picture of material movement, progress and evolving site conditions. Previously, this level of insight was not possible. Surveys were periodic and disruptive, sporadic drone flights produced snapshots rather than continuity, and reporting depended on manual updates. By the time information reached decisionmakers, projects had changed. One of the biggest challenges in moving from reactive to proactive construction has always been accurate data. Modern dozers and excavators are able to track their position accurately. Monitoring the movement of blades and buckets turns them into high-frequency data collectors, generating as-built information as they work. The machine as a sensor approach is delivering tangible results. On a recent project with HEITKAMP Corporate Group, machinery captured high-density as-built data of compacted soil, generating a reliable record.

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ABOVE Using the latest technology, machines can provide as-built data in real time

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The use of digital twins is revolutionising construction and earthmoving sites by providing a continuous up-to-date representation of a jobsite. Data mapping within a digital-twin process can also be utilised by wider systems to help optimise resource allocation. By simulating different scenarios, such as fleet compositions or the sequence of project milestones, automation can assist project managers to make datadriven decisions, informing machinery deployment and labour more efficiently, boosting productivity and allowing workers to focus on other tasks. Proactive construction relies on a continuous cycle of measurement, analysis and execution. As machines work, they capture real-time data from the site, creating a constantly updated picture of progress and conditions. Planning tools and artificial intelligence (AI) analyse this information, simulating scenarios, resolving potential delays and optimising the use of equipment and resources. Decisions and instructions are automatically fed back to the machines, ensuring that operations remain on track without manual intervention. Material tracking acts as the bridge between connected jobsites and autonomous operations. By integrating GPS-enabled machinery, onboard sensors and 3D model data, digital tools capture precise, real-time information on material flow. This stream of data feeds into digital-twin technology, giving teams full visibility and creating a real-time feedback loop that connects machines, the site environment and planning teams. The future of earthmoving and construction lies in autonomous intelligence driven by real-time material tracking. Closing the gap between machine intelligence and site intelligence is the next major adoption for the sector.

www.komatsu.com

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

ASSOCIATIONS

INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION NEWS

Roads to 2035 start here: IRF Annual Conference 2026 in Geneva The International Road Federation (IRF) is convening the global road and transport community in Geneva from 16–18 November 2026 for its Annual Conference & Exhibition, IRF 2026, hosted at the Hilton Geneva Hotel and Conference Centre. Bringing together policymakers, road authorities, industry leaders, researchers and practitioners from around the world, the event aspires to mark a pivotal moment for the sector

outes Suisses, a founding organisation of the IRF and a unifying organisation for members with road traffic interests in Switzerland, is supporting the Conference by participating in its programmes and by joining efforts to connect local bodies with the IRF. Taking place at the outset of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), the Conference is designed as a global platform where long-term ambition meets practical delivery. Discussions will focus on how road networks and services must evolve in support of transport systems that are safer, more inclusive, lower in emissions and more efficient, while continuing to support economic development and social connectivity. A central theme of IRF 2026 is implementation pathways. The programme will highlight the policies, technologies and delivery approaches that are already demonstrating tangible results, with an emphasis on how to scale these solutions across different regions and contexts. High-level plenaries, technical sessions and applied case studies will explore how road infrastructure can respond to the growing pressures of climate change and extreme weather, shifting mobility patterns, digital transformation, and the institutional responses required to manage networks as long-term public assets.

Throughout the Conference, attention will be given to advancing innovation in road design, materials and asset management, strengthening collaboration between public and private actors, and preparing road agencies for an era of digital management and connected mobility. The event will also underline the importance

of international cooperation and knowledge exchange in supporting the objectives of the UN Decade and translating global commitments into measurable, real-world improvements. The technical programme will span the full breadth of contemporary road stewardship, including resilient infrastructure, access

and connectivity, urban road planning and design, road safety and Safe System implementation, traffic forecasting and demand management, digital roads and data-driven operations, financing and procurement models, and institutional readiness and governance frameworks. An exhibition and sponsorship programme will run alongside the Conference, offering organisations a direct opportunity to engage with an international community of decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of road transport. According to IRF Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz, “IRF 2026 will not simply be another industry gathering, but a defining milestone in shaping how road systems contribute to sustainable transport over the decade ahead”.

PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES – GET INVOLVED Call for presentations

Professionals, agencies, researchers and companies are invited to submit presentation proposals and share practical experiences, research findings and case studies that can inform international practice.

Partnership and sponsorship

A range of partnership packages will allow organisations to align their brand with key themes of the Conference while engaging directly with senior decision-makers and technical experts.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

Exhibition presence

An exhibition area will provide a platform to showcase technologies, services and innovations to a targeted global audience of road and transport stakeholders.

Visibility and thought leadership

Opportunities will be available for contributing to session content, knowledge products and high-level dialogues shaping the sector’s direction under the UN Decade.

Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

ASSOCIATIONS

INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION NEWS

 Workzone Safety Management, 11 March 15:00 at the IRF Road Safety Stage  Greening your Road Projects: From Commitment to Measurable Action, 12 March 10:00 at the Infra Stage  Data-driven Strategies for Road Safety: Integrating Planning, Management and Impact Assessment, 12 March 12:15 at the IRF Road Safety Stage  Solutions to Enhance Safety for Vulnerable Road Users, 12 March 14:00 at the IRF Road Safety Stage  Best Practices in Road Safety Assets, 12 March 15:45 at the IRF Road Safety Stage

Centre Stage for IRF at Intertraffic Amsterdam

Raising the bar for global road dialogue

The International Road Federation (IRF) is shining a spotlight on innovative and sustainable road practices at Intertraffic Amsterdam – the world’s leading trade fair for smart mobility, traffic management and road infrastructure

cross multiple days and stages, IRF is delivering a fast-paced programme of masterclasses and memberled panels designed to translate global trends and challenges into operational guidance and realworld impacts. From data-driven safety management and connected infrastructure to climate-resilient road design and future-proof funding models, delegates can look forward to inspiring insights and fit-for-purpose innovations that accelerate real-world improvements for inclusive, safe, green and efficient roads.

Member-driven contributions Intertraffic Amsterdam provides an opportunity to connect innovation with practice. IRF contributes to this dialogue by

offering perspectives grounded in operational experience and policy engagement, complementing the exhibition’s focus on products and technologies. Every session convened by IRF at Intertraffic is built around member expertise, drawing directly on a rich blend of case studies enabled by a diverse, global membership that brings practical insight and tested solutions to the most pressing challenges facing road networks today.

 Introduction to Road Safety Audits, 10 March 11:00 at the IRF Road Safety Stage  Driving Safety Forward: Innovative Behaviour Monitoring and Enforcement Solutions, 10 March 14:15 at the IRF Road Safety Stage  Connected Infrastructure and Vehicles: The Next Frontier in Road Safety, 11 March 10:45 at the IRF Road Safety Stage

From insights to impacts

 Future Roads Funding: Best Practices in Mobility Pricing, 11 March 12:30 at the Infra Stage

IRF’s intervention complements the exhibition’s focus on products and technologies. Attendees can connect and learn more about IRF by visiting the following panels and workshops:

 Greener Roads, Safer Futures: Advancing Climate and Road Safety Goals Together 11 March 13:15 at the IRF Road Safety Stage

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As mobility systems face mounting pressures, from climate change to rising safety expectations, IRF’s commitment ensures that innovations are examined in terms of their scalability and long-term impacts. With a community spanning over 130 countries, IRF offers a unique global network that brings together government agencies, road construction firms, transport service providers, equipment manufacturers, consulting firms, industry associations, national road federations, universities and multilateral financial institutions. Intertraffic is an opportunity to join this conversation and the global community in shaping the future of road transport.

MEET THE IRF TEAM AT INTERTRAFFIC IRF is welcoming visitor throughout the show on Booths 11.513 (Hall 11) and 03.103 (Hall 3).

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

ASSOCIATIONS

INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION NEWS

International Road Federation announces 12 GRAA winners The International Road Federation (IRF Global) presented the 2025 IRF Global Road Achievement Awards (GRAA) during a Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony held as part of the IRF Global Roads to Tomorrow (R2T) Conference on December 11, 2025

he ceremony brought together senior decisionmakers and industry leaders from across the international road and transport community in Long Beach, California. The awards spotlight projects that are redefining what modern mobility can achieve— combining visionary thinking, strong leadership, and tangible results. This year’s honourees showcased the full spectrum of road-sector excellence, from strategic planning and project delivery to advanced technologies and operational performance, illustrating how infrastructure continues to underpin economic growth, social inclusion, and safer travel worldwide. Selected by an international panel of senior experts following a rigorous evaluation process, the 12 winning projects represent diverse regions and contexts, highlighting the universal value of innovation when applied to local challenges.

IRF Global congratulates all 2025 award recipients and thanks the teams and organisations whose work continues to strengthen mobility systems and support sustainable development around the world.

2025 IRF Global Road Achievement Award Winners  Asset Preservation & Maintenance Management AI-Powered Road Management— City of Markham in partnership with CITYROVER  Construction Methodology Brisbane Metro — ACCIONA, Arup, and Brisbane City Council

 Program Management Brisa Group: Simple, Safe, and Sustainable Mobility — Brisa Group

 Design Huangmaohai Link — Guangdong Provincial Highway Construction Co., Ltd

 Project Finance & Economics Ankara–Nigde Motorway Project — Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Republic of Türkiye

 Environmental Mitigation Revolutionising Asphalt: PCMA 110°C Low-Carbon Asphalt Solution — Hansoo Road Industry Co., Ltd

 Quality Management Construction and Upgrading of Mesaimeer Road (P008-C3) – Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor — Qatar Public Works Authority

 Research Research and Development of Low-Carbon, Long-Life Asphalt Pavement Technology and Billion-cycle Verification of Actual Vehicles Loads — Research Institute of Highways, China Ministry of Transport  Safety Traffic Incident Management Service (TIMS) — Dubai Roads & Transport Authority  Technology, Equipment & Manufacturing Equipment and Applications for Autonomous Vehicle in the Loop Testing Based on Digital Twin — Chang’an University  Traffic Management & ITS Port of Oakland Freight ITS (FITS) — Parsons Transportation Group  Urban Planning & Mobility Integrating Cycle Track into Urban Design Project in Dubai — Dubai Roads & Transport Authority.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

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ASSOCIATIONS

INTERNATIONAL ROAD FEDERATION NEWS

IRF to shape future of road infrastructure with three global events in 2026 The International Road Federation (IRF Global) has announced three flagship international events for 2026, focusing on financing, artificial intelligence, and the transition from research to real-world technology. Spanning Europe, the Caucasus, and North America, these gatherings will bring together decision-makers, industry leaders, and technology providers to tackle the most critical challenges facing the global road and transport sector

 IRF Global Summit on Funding & Leveraging AI Applications for Roadway Innovations

9th IRF Global R2T (Roads to Tomorrow) Conference & Exhibition

The first event of the year will explore how innovative financing mechanisms can be combined with AI-driven solutions to modernise road infrastructure. Discussions will focus on smart mobility systems, data-driven investment strategies, and sustainable funding models for next-generation roadway projects, offering practical insights for both public and private sector stakeholders.

Bringing together over 1,000 participants from 80 countries, the 9th IRF Global R2T Conference & Exhibition will feature 300+ speakers and 60+ technical sessions, making it one of the most influential global gatherings for the road and transport sector. This global conference will showcase how breakthrough research and emerging innovations are being transformed into real-world technologies for safer, smarter, and more sustainable roads. Leaders from technology companies, research institutions, and transport authorities will share insights on advanced road safety systems, automation, and nextgeneration mobility solutions—bridging the gap between ideas and implementation on a truly global scale.

3–4 June 2026 | Varna, Bulgaria

4th IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & Exhibition

3-6 November 2026 | San Francisco, USA

30 September – 2 October 2026 | Tbilisi, Georgia

Bringing together policymakers and industry leaders from across Europe and Central Asia, this regional congress will address key issues such as regional transport corridors, climate-resilient infrastructure, and digital transformation. The accompanying exhibition will showcase the latest innovations in construction technologies, digital infrastructure solutions, and smart mobility applications.

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For the latest updates and detailed information on these events, please scan the QR or visit www.irf.global GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

Komatsu PC220LCi-12

Introducing the most advanced excavator ever designed – the Komatsu PC220LCi-12. Built on the all-new powerful 129 kW high torque Komatsu engine and paired with the new high efficiency electronically controlled hydraulic system, this machine achieves 18% reduction in average fuel consumption, compared to the previous model. With the new generation intelligent Machine Control (iMC) 3.0 technology, this cuttingedge machine offers unique-in-the-market features such as auto-swing, swing-to-line and travel-along-line.

Komatsu_PC220LCi-12_210x297en.indd 2

komatsu.eu 12.02.2026 14:04:23

HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

INFRA STAGE

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS SPONSORS INTERTRAFFIC’S INFRA STAGE

At the internationally acclaimed Intertraffic exhibition in Amsterdam from March 10-13, Global Highways is proud to sponsor the ‘Infra Stage’. Attendees will hear professionals from both private and public sectors present the latest in thinking and product innovation concerning infrastructure asset management and road safety

ustainable mobility for ‘Smart Cities’ needs sustainable road infrastructure from smart professionals. That is where Global Highways comes in. The magazine’s readers are dedicated professionals who design, build and operate much of the world’s most sustainable infrastructure for Smart Cities. The internationally acclaimed Intertraffic exhibition in Amsterdam from March 10-13 is where mobility professionals and highway-infrastructure professionals can meet, exchange ideas and network during the four days. Since its launch in 1972, Intertraffic Amsterdam has been the platform of choice for professionals from around the world to do business and get up to speed on developments in the fields of infrastructure and road inspections, traffic management, design safety, smart and connected mobility and much, much more. The estimated 30,000 attendees from more than 140 countries expected this year will discover innovations and solutions from more than 900 exhibiting companies. Attendees are typically from manufacturers, government agencies and road authorities, engineering-design consultancies, major road contractors, research organisations and academia.

Global Highways Infra Stage

and private-sector professionals. Speakers will be from the ERF, Greenroads, BMW, PAVE Europe, IRF, CEDR, Dynaroads, Arup and many more organisations. The ‘open’ aspect of the stage allows attendees to drop-in whenever they can and sessions will run continuously, including question-and-answer times for each speaker or speakers. Topics covered will include procurement and alternative financing of projects, contraflow traffic management, crash barriers in the age of electric vehicles, noise abatement, traffic-volume data analysis, roadinspection techniques and policing/enforcement.

Innovation Awards Meanwhile, 15 pioneering mobility innovations have been announced as finalists for the Intertraffic Awards 2026, showcasing breakthrough solutions in three categories: the Green Globe Award, recognising environmental sustainability; the User Experience Award, championing excellence in usability; and the Inspiration Award, for groundbreaking new technologies, set to lead the industry. The three overall award winners will be announced at the opening ceremony of Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 on March 10. End

This year, for the first time, Global Highways is proud to announce that there will be an open Infra Stage - sponsored by Global Highways - with continuous presentations from both public-

To see a comprehensive preview of the Infra Stage presentations, as well as presentations on the other six stages and theatres, please scan or click QR code

https://www.intertraffic.com/amsterdam/programme?location=INFRA+STAGE

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GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

REIMAGINING WORK-ZONE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Traffic consolidation along key-connector roads can cause congestion, freight delays and safety concerns. However, when this peak period congestion is directional, flexible lane use offers a faster, lower cost alternative to expensive roadway expansion, explains Smita Sharma, senior manager for applications engineering at Lindsay

lexible lane use adds or optimises capacity on existing roads during high demand periods. It is especially effective in constrained corridors such as bridges, tunnels and urban connectors where right of way is limited and user delay costs are high. This active traffic-management strategy can be applied shorter term or temporarily to maintain mobility through work zones. Work zones often rely on pavement markings and channelising devices for temporary lane shifts. But crashworthy, moveable barriers provide stronger protection by maintaining positive separation between opposing traffic and reducing worker exposure during lane changes. Using real-world examples, this article highlights lessons from construction projects that used Lindsay’s Road Zipper moveable barrier system to implement flexible lane management.

Tunnel rehabilitation, Italy Starting in 2022 and through 2025, Autostrade per l’Italia (ASPI) planned and carried out modernisation

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

ABOVE The Mainfreida Project (ASPI) won the best Innovative Project of the Year 2024 at the ITA Tunneling Awards and was awarded silver certification according to the Envision Protocol as a Modern and Sustainable Infrastructure Project in 2025

works on multiple tunnels on the A26 Genova VoltriGravellona Toce Motorway. The rehabilitation project required the complete closure of the tunnel (or one direction of the roadway) for several months. Because the A26 motorway section is a critical freight corridor for the region, to and from the port of Genoa, all roadway/lane closures had to be carefully planned to optimise traffic flow, including heavy or oversized commercial traffic, and to maintain traffic and worker safety. Traditionally, for work zones where one carriageway or tunnel is completely closed to traffic and all traffic uses the other tunnel, ASPI would plan the open-to-traffic tunnel-lane configuration to include one lane in each direction and a socalled buffer lane as a safety gap between opposing traffic. The opposing traffic flows were separated by a plastic delineation device. This allows for quick lane reconfiguration in order that the buffer lane be used in specific cases like congestion mitigation, crash-related queuing, and for wider freight and commercial traffic. While dynamic lane use was necessary for ASPI to maintain traffic mobility in the corridor, traffic safety was compromised when using plastic delineation. Because the A26 is a mobility-critical corridor, ASPI worked in collaboration with Tecne and Amplia Infrastructures (both companies of the ASPI Group) to proactively address safety concerns and manage traffic flow. ASPI implemented the Road Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

10 - 13 MAR 2026 THE WORLD’S LEADING EVENT ON MOBILITY & TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGY ITS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT • ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE • ROAD SAFETY • PARKING

30,000+ ATTENDEES

900+ EXHIBITORS

300+ KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS

145+ COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

45+ COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

7 THEATRES AND STAGES

CONTENT THEMES:

• Future-Proof Roads: Building Safe & Climate-Resilient Infrastructure • Smart Traffic Management for a Safer and Greener Future • Drive the Future: Smart, Customized & Autonomous Mobility • Roadmap to Zero: Aligning Safety Goals with Asset Management

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Excellence

• Revolutionizing Parking: Smarter Systems, Frictionless Experience • Urban Mobility Reinvented: Smart, Safe & Climate-Resilient INTERTRAFFIC.COM

AD_ITA_A4_10.2025_1.indd 1

23-10-2025 16:11

HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

As compared to the standard or conventional work zone, the Dynamic Road Zipper-based work zone allowed construction phases to be completed in continuity by reducing work-zone deactivations to maintain traffic flow, as well as eliminating manual traffic control by ground crew. The results were: • project completion 15 months ahead of schedule; • 63% fewer staff hours of roadside personnel exposure; • 23% fewer staff hours of security and access exposure; • significant reduction in the likelihood of head-on and rear-end collisions.

Warringah Freeway, Australia

Zipper moveable barrier system on Manfreida and Lagoscuro projects, including six tunnels and two viaducts. With one carriageway completely closed to traffic, ASPI faced the risk of severe congestion, freight delays and increased crash potential. Flexible, positive protection using the Road Zipper provides additional safety compared to channelisingdevice lane closures and also allows for quick lane reconfiguration. Travel lanes were reconfigured using a data-driven approach to maximise throughput during peak periods. The Manfreida project used a 2km-long moveable barrier section and the Lagoscuro project used an 8km-long section. At a transfer speed of 8km/h, the Road Zipper shifted lanes twice daily on the Lagoscuro project and four to five days each week on the Manfreida project to match traffic patterns and inbound and outbound freight flows.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

TOP Quick lane closures did not impact peak traffic flow and enabled the contractors to physically separate construction workers from live traffic ABOVE The ABSORB-RZ is a MASH TL-3 tested, anchorless crash cushion engineered specifically for use with the Road Zipper Barrier Transfer Machine

Strategic traffic management and maintenance of traffic planning during project scoping and planning stages is critical to avoid traffic gridlock and a resulting community outrage. The Warringah Freeway Upgrade Project by Transport for New South Wales in Australia is an example of innovation for efficient traffic management to improve workzone and traffic safety. The Warringah Freeway, with daily traffic volumes of around 250,000 vehicles, is one of the busiest roads in the city of Sydney, connecting the northern suburbs to the city centre via the Sydney Harbour Bridge. In 2022-2024, the Warringah Freeway underwent a major overhaul. This included, but was not limited to, utility work, inspection, gantry work, retaining wall, earth and drainage work and pavement rehabilitation. Key challenges for the project included reducing work-zone impacts for road users and ensuring the overall safety of the construction project. A shared commitment to finding innovative mobility and safety solutions led the project team to adopt the Road Zipper moveable barrier system based on a flexible lane configuration. The upgrade of a 4km section required nightly lane closures to allow for construction work without interruption to peak travel times. The construction was carried out more efficiently and safely by using the Road Zipper for overnight lane closures. This was also the first time in Australia where the Road Zipper solution was adopted for a construction project. It helped improve worker safety while enabling the contractors to reduce construction duration by a year and a half. The Road Zipper-based dynamic-lane reconfiguration allowed for up to three extra hours of construction time on each nightly construction shift compared to the conventional lane closure and work-zone protection strategies. Steven Clark, project director for Warringah Freeway Upgrade Project, CPB Contractors and T Infrastructure Joint Venture, said that during the 2023-2024 Christmas break, Road Zipper technology helped them complete 16 weeks-worth of traditional construction work in only two weeks. Work-zone efficiency was maximised by creating a distractionfree, wide and positively separated work zone rather than having workers exposed to live traffic. Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Knik River Bridges, Alaska The 60-year-old northbound bridge and the 30-yearold southbound Knik River Bridges on Glenn Highway in Alaska serve around 31,000 drivers daily. The structures are vital connectors for commuters, freight and emergency services. In April 2024, the Alaska Department of Transportation started a major ‘first-ofits-kind’ rehabilitation and deck-preservation project to extend the service lives of the bridges, reduce maintenance costs and enhance safety. The Knik River Bridge Project included resurfacing both bridge spans, installing new approach slabs at each end and replacing expansion joints. Because of this, complete closure of each bridge was needed for at least 30 days. However, with one span fully closed, Alaska DOT faced the risk of severe traffic congestion and delays, as well as increased risk of vehicle crashes between Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. To address these challenges, Alaska DOT considered several options. These included placing temporary concrete barriers down the middle lane of the (opento-traffic) bridge to separate bi-directional traffic. But this alternative limited the traffic flow to one lane per direction, causing significant congestion and delays for commuters. Another option was to install a temporary bridge, but the costs involved were prohibitive. Alaska DOT’s partner on the project, Hamilton Construction, chose to implement a flexible lane configuration, or moveable median strategy, using the Road Zipper moveable barrier system. Crashworthy Road Zipper barriers have offered the following

benefits during the long-term closure and the ongoing rehabilitation of the bridges: • maximised traffic flow by dynamically reconfiguring travel lanes, especially during peak periods; • positive protection between bi-directional traffic to enhance traffic safety; • an efficient, distraction-free and separated work zone; • minimised driver confusion and delays during an extended construction schedule in the harsh Alaskan weather; • a cost-effective and low-carbon footprint trafficcontrol alternative that avoided major infrastructure expansion, temporary detours and/or widening projects.

Conclusion Many projects have paired the Road Zipper Maintenance of Traffic solution with accelerated bridge and tunnel construction to shorten staging, cut project duration and reduce mobility and safety impacts. These, and many other projects during the past four decades, have shown how safety-focused strategies can increase network capacity to better match travel demand. The Road Zipper system, crash tested to MASH TL 3/TL 4 and EN 1317 N2/H2 standards, provides a flexible, safety enhancing option for dynamic lane management for both work-zone maintenance of traffic and reversible/managed lane solutions. End www.lindsay.com

Additional resources can be found by using this QR code CLICK/SCAN HERE

Barrier Transfer Machine reconfigures travel lanes under traffic, minimising disruption to traffic flow during transfer operation

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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

BARRIERS

Rebloc: when space is critical EN 1317 is a European standard established in 1998 that defines common testing and certification procedures for road restraint systems. It is also now used in many countries outside Europe and has become an international benchmark for evaluating the performance of these systems. Implementing effective vehicle restraint systems for bridges and tunnels presents specific challenges, such as prohibiting the anchoring of a system into the ground. Furthermore, maintenance and construction activities in these areas often do not allow for extended lane closures, making rapid installation and removal an urgent necessity. In the end, safety barriers must be scalable to provide

safe containment across a wide range of impact scenarios, from light passenger cars to heavygoods vehicles (HGVs). REBLOC offers a wide range of temporary and permanent precast-concrete safety barriers designed precisely to address these challenges. Tested in accordance with EN 1317 containment levels T3 through H4b, REBLOC provides the appropriate level of protection for varying traffic conditions and vehicle categories. Precastconcrete barriers are ideally suited for use in confined and sensitive locations such as bridges and tunnels. Those safety barriers feature a compact footprint, making them especially effective where space is limited. On bridges, freestanding versions

eliminate the need for drilling or anchoring into the bridge deck, thereby preserving structural integrity. Despite the absence of fixed installations, their stability and performance remain proven, ensuring reliable vehicle containment without compromising the underlying infrastructure. In tunnels, every centimetre counts. Precast-concrete barriers deliver high containment performance while occupying minimal space. Both freestanding and anchored variants can be installed swiftly and efficiently, reducing downtime and limiting disruption to tunnel operations. A strength of the REBLOC system lies in its proprietary coupling technology - no loose components are needed. This

Tertu posts a winner

The T22-NW4 wood-metal guardrail from French manufacturer Tertu features an aesthetically pleasing half-log design, 22cm in diameter with 4m-long sections.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

Importantly, the quick-and-easy to install guardrail also offers increased lightness without compromising restraint performance. The T22-NW4 is pressure-treated wood with

greatly simplifies deployment, allowing barriers to be installed and dismantled rapidly. Such efficiency is vital for minimising traffic disruption and protecting road workers during installation. The system is particularly advantageous for temporary traffic management schemes or emergency interventions. With barrier systems tested to all available containment levels under EN 1317, REBLOC ensures the right degree of protection for every project. While lower categories of containment levels offer suitable protection for passenger vehicles, higher containment levels are engineered to resist impacts involving HGVs. This scalability enables project planners to select solutions tailored to the specific risk profiles of different bridge and tunnel environments. As traffic volumes increase and infrastructure continues to age, bridges and tunnels remain critical yet vulnerable parts of the European road network. Addressing their safety challenges requires innovative, adaptable solutions. EN 1317-compliant REBLOC concrete barriers offer exactly that: high performance, space-efficient design, and rapid deployment. By integrating such systems into infrastructure planning and maintenance strategies, road safety can be significantly improved. www.rebloc.com

chromium and arsenic-free preservatives. Post spacing is 2m with 18cm-diameter wooden spacers and the guardrail is preassembled with metal reinforcement at the back of the rail. The rail stands 70cm above ground level. For environmental concerns, the T22-NW4 has a low-carbon manufacturing footprint of just 3kg of CO2 eq/ml. A CO2 equivalent (CO2e) is a unit of measurement that is used to standardise the climate effects of various greenhouse gases. All Tertu guardrails have been tested in accordance with the requirements of standards EN 1317 1-2-5. The company said that its technology has also been transferred through licence or partnership agreements to North and South America, as well as to Australasia, South Korea and China.

www.tertu.com

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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

ROAD INSPECTION

Inspections with XT Profiler XenomatiX has introduced the XT Profiler, a Class 1 longitudinal profiler for making advanced road inspections more affordable, without compromising accuracy or certification. XenomatiX, a maker of solid-state LiDAR technology, said that for years it has set the benchmark in high-precision road inspection with its 6D Road Scanning System for certified, repeatable and automated pavement measurements. Built on the proven 6D technology that combines 3D geometry with intensity map insights, the new XT Profiler delivers professional-grade road inspection in a compact, accessible package. At its core is true solid-state LiDAR - no point-laser or line-scan systems. This enables consistent, high-quality measurements including true zero-speed and stop-and-go profiling. The system is ICART- and NCAT-certified, ensuring compliance with international industry standards, an essential requirement for official road-condition assessments. The XT Profiler offers a future-proof approach to road inspection. Users can start with essential functionality and unlock additional features through upgrades as their needs evolve; no hardware replacement required. XenomatiX said that this flexibility makes the XT Profiler an ideal starting point for organisations taking their first step into automated road inspection. XenomatiX said it is the first company to develop true, solid-state LiDAR technology combined with edge AI. Its solutions support a wide range

The new XT Profiler from XenomatiX delivers professional-grade road inspection in a compact, accessible package using true solid-state LiDAR

of industrial and mobility applications, including automotive, smart cities, drones, and pavement inspection. Being ICART- and NCAT-certified, XenoTrack enables accurate and cost-effective pavement inspection by measuring key indices such as IRI and PCI. Designed for maximum versatility, XenoTrack integrates seamlessly into any vehicle, which is why the company said it offers turnkey solutions, including the XenoVan and XenoBike. For 3D perception, XenomatiX builds Xavia, a true solid-state LiDAR sensor combined with a camera that delivers high-quality 6D data, enhancing applications in security, crowd analytics and material handling. https://xenomatix.com

Hawaii banks on Blyncsy

Bentley reports its Blyncsy solution is being used by the Hawaii Department of Transportation in the Eyes on the Road programme to enhance road safety. Eyes on the Road, an initiative driven by the Hawaii DOT, in partnership with the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Engineering, provides free high-resolution dash cameras to Hawaii residents for installation in their vehicles. The cameras

record video automatically as residents drive normally each day. The dash cameras are being supplied by Nextbase. The manufacturer’s Nextbase Smart iQ camera is linked to Nextbase.com. Blyncsy’s collected crowd-sourced imagery captures road-safety issues such as guardrail damage, vegetation encroachment, debris on the road or along the shoulder, and other

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roadway hazards. The footage is uploaded to the cloud through a cellular connection and then automatically analysed using machine-learning algorithms and advanced AI analytics from Bentley’s Blyncsy, anonymously. Blyncsy, part of Bentley System’s assetanalytics portfolio, transforms dash-camera footage and other roadway imagery into actionable insights. It automatically detects and reports on the condition of critical transportation assets, enabling transportation agencies to prioritise maintenance, improve safety and make data-driven decisions more efficiently. In the Eyes on the Road programme, Bentley’s Blyncsy is used to identify and report roadway issues to Hawaii DOT in near-real time, allowing maintenance crews to address and rectify these issues swiftly, ensuring that roads are kept safe for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

www.bentley.com www.nextbase.com

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

BRIDGE MONITORING

KISTLER DIGITAL BRIDGE MONITORING At the heart of Kistler’s structural-health-monitoring solution are digital sensors that continuously measure key structural parameters, including strain, displacement, cracks, vibration, inclination and temperature

t Intertraffic Amsterdam, Kistler is presenting its first fully digital structural-health-monitoring (SHM) system for bridges. The company says that it marks a "significant leap forward" by delivering an objective view of how bridges behave under actual operating conditions. Until now, structural-health-monitoring solutions have relied heavily on analogue technology. At the heart of the new SHM solution are digital sensors organised in flexible clusters that can be installed in daisy-chain or star topologies. This modular approach allows optimal adaptation to any type of bridge geometry while minimising cabling effort. The system continuously measures key structural parameters, including strain, displacement, cracks, vibration, inclination and temperature. Open interfaces allow operators to integrate additional custom sensors as needed. To ensure perfect time alignment among all channels and maximum data reliability, all sensor clusters are synchronised within microseconds. The sensors come in a robust, weatherproof design with full immunity to electromagnetic interference. Thanks to their self-configuring digital technology, setup time is dramatically reduced and manual adjustments are minimised. The result is a faster and more cost-efficient installation. For complete monitoring data and active bridge protection, the new digital SHM system can be combined with weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology from Kistler. WIM systems - installed upstream of the bridge - measure traffic loads and detect overloaded vehicles whose drivers can then be automatically fined or prevented from using the bridge.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

“At Intertraffic Amsterdam, Kistler can be found in hall 1 on stand 410”

Both SHM and WIM data streams are processed by a dedicated edge device (IPC). This ensures high-resolution data capture with precise time synchronisation. Operators can configure time-andevent-based triggers as well as automatic alarms that notify them when sensor readings exceed predefined thresholds. It is also possible to directly correlate traffic loads with the resulting structural impact, giving infrastructure operators real-time visibility into how traffic affects structural health. In the northeastern US state of Rhode Island, Kistler has implemented an integrated WIM and SHM solution for the Washington Bridge. The structure is outfitted with accelerometers, strain gauges, temperature sensors, inclinometers and a meteorology station as well as a WIM system to monitor specific load conditions. The combined solution supports operators during restoration work on the historic structure. Increased traffic volumes required real-time insights into actual vehicle loads and their effect upon the Washington Bridge. By correlating traffic data with vibration, strain and movement measurements, engineers can derive site-specific load ratings based on real data rather than conservative assumptions. This is improving maintenance planning and safety interventions. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Penang Second Bridge) is a 24km crossing between mainland Malaysia and Penang Island. As part of a high-speed WIM programme, the system is installed to continuously monitor vehicle loads and traffic patterns to gather highly accurate traffic and axle-load data. For even larger structures, such as the 915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey, multiple Kistler WIM-sensing lanes offer continuous insights into live traffic loads and the number of overloaded vehicles. Integrated into the existing monitoring framework, the system allows operators to correlate real traffic conditions with structural response and environmental influences. The resulting data supports more accurate fatigue assessments, service-life predictions and site-specific load ratings - all critical factors for long-term bridge protection. End www.kistler.com Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

TRAFFIC SYSTEMS / BARRIERS

network of depots, with a view to providing an additional 70 in the first half of this year. The deal comprises portable traffic signals with built-in radar sensors and CCTV cameras that detect vehicle movement and stream footage of approaching traffic. REMOS captures and transmits data from remote traffic-management control (RTMC) boxes to SRL’s Solihull Control Centre, where dedicated staff analyse it in real time and efficiently make interventions to ensure optimal traffic flow. SRL estimates that REMOS typically increases the rate of traffic flow around roadworks by 30-50% in relation to mobile solutions operated on site. It is available in two-, three- and fourway packages. The flexible, ad-hoc REMOS package requires users to provide SRL with just two hours’ notice to commence remote operation. They may decide how to allocate up to 12 hours of remote monitoring and control per day. https://srl.co.uk/our-product/remos

SRL Traffic Systems has delivered the first long-term contract for its flexible REMOS package, a remotely operated mobile-signal solution to promote road-worker safety. SRL, a manufacturer and supplier of portable and temporary intelligent transport systems, said it developed REMOS in association with GTM - Go Traffic Management - following customer feedback generated by trials and marketfamiliarisation exercises last year. The contract will help GTM’s customers to minimise the number of trafficmanagement operatives stationed on site in live traffic lanes and improve road-worker safety. More than 12,300 UK personnel reported verbal or physical assault by road users in 2023, with more than 50% claiming weekly abuse. Between 2024 and 2025, 35 UK construction workers were killed, 9% by moving vehicles. The “seven-figure” three-year contract covers the delivery of an initial 20 threeway REMOS bundles to GTM’s nationwide

REMOS signals deal in UK

Water-Cable Barrier from TrafFix TrafFix Devices, a manufacturer and supplier of traffic-control devices and crash-attenuation products, has launched the WaterCable Barrier for highway and work zones. TrafFix said the system, for both highways contractors and highways agencies, is the world's first longitudinal barrier to be MASH-tested, passed and eligible at TL-1 50kph and TL-2 70kph levels - with or without chain-link fence panelling. It sets a new

standard for safety performance. The internal galvanized-steelcable system connects each barrier segment, forming a continuous protective line that effectively intercepts and restrains vehicles during an impact. Unlike standard channelising devices, which may permit vehicles to break through at high speeds, the Water-Cable Barrier’s cable-linked design is engineered to keep vehicles from intruding into work zones, substantially enhancing

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onsite security. TrafFix said that this advanced containment approach offers heightened peace of mind for teams operating in active traffic environments. Built with premium polyethylene and UV stabilisation, the barrier resists fading, cracking and breakage, ensuring reliable field performance and long service life through tough weather and repeated use. A doublewall knuckle safeguards hinge points, minimising breakage and

downtime. Field crews benefit from an oversized fill-hole and secure twist-lock cap for faster filling and secure water retention. Meanwhile, a tamperresistant drain plug with coarse, buttress threading streamlines maintenance and eliminates cross-threading issues. Deployment efficiency is further enhanced by forklift and pallet jack slots for rapid repositioning, plus a hinged design that allows up to 30 degrees of pivot between sections. Each barrier comes standard with a galvanized-steel connection pin, allowing sections to be securely linked into a continuous protective wall. The newly available corner piece enables versatile 90-degree angles for custom site layouts and boundary configurations. Barriers stack for compact transport and storage, reducing logistical costs, with each unit featuring a steel connection pin for secure linking on busy jobsites. A Water-Cable Barrier measures 193cm long, 81.3cm high and 45.7cm wide. Empty, it weighs just 45.3kg for easy handling but delivers heavy-duty impact resistance at 530.7kg when filled.

www.traffixdevices.com/ products/barriers/water-cable

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HIGHWAYS MANAGEMENT & SAFETY

ROAD MAINTENANCE

PROACTIVE ROADWAY MAINTENANCE SYSTEM

The two-year Proactive Roadway Maintenance System project in the US was led by Honda and funded by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), in collaboration with i-Probe, Parsons and the University of Cincinnati

collaborative US pilot project has shown it can detect road condition and damaged street furniture, including guardrails and shoulder drop-offs, with extremely high accuracy. The prototype Proactive Roadway Maintenance System in the state of Ohio is said to have achieved 99% accuracy for detecting damaged and obstructed signs and 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails. Car maker Honda and DriveOhio, the smart mobility hub of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), said the project is a first-of-its-kind to demonstrate how real-time, vehicle-generated data can detect and report road deficiencies. The pilot was conducted in collaboration with technology partners i-Probe, consulting engineering firm Parsons and the University of Cincinnati. The two-year pilot verified the feasibility of an automated roadcondition management and reporting system to help departments of transportation around the US to proactively optimise maintenance while reducing costs and creating safer roadways. Honda said it has been developing its prototype Proactive Roadway Maintenance System since 2021. During the pilot, ODOT team members drove Honda test vehicles, equipped with advanced vision and LiDAR sensors, to monitor around nearly 5,000km (3,000 miles) of roads in central and southeastern Ohio. The vehicles operated under a wide range of real-world conditions, including multiple road types in rural and urban environments, varied weather and different times of the day. The Proactive Roadway Maintenance System detected road conditions and infrastructure deficiencies. Some of the conditions detected were worn or obstructed road signs, damaged guardrails and cable road barriers, potholes and shoulder drops, including percentage and depth of drop-off. Even the road’s ride quality was detected. As the Honda test vehicles detected the condition of critical roadway surfaces, pavement markings and roadside assets, ODOT operators were able to review the deficiencies in real time through web dashboards developed by Honda and Parsons. ODOT used the data to cross-reference its regular visual inspections. Data collected by the vehicles was processed using edge AI models, transmitted to a Honda cloud platform for analysis and integrated into Parsons iNET Asset Guardian system. This allowed for automatically generated, prioritised work orders for ODOT maintenance teams. Work orders can be grouped by severity and proximity, with the iNET Asset Guardian system streamlining workflows to enhance efficiencies across field-maintenance operations. Data validation was provided by i-Probe, as well as analysis expertise for road roughness and lane-

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ABOVE During the pilot, ODOT team members drove Honda test vehicles, equipped with advanced vision and LiDAR sensors, to monitor nearly 5,000km of roads in central and southeastern Ohio

“The pilot programme showed a 99% accuracy for identifying damaged or obstructed road signs, a 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails and an 89% average accuracy for detecting potholes”

marking conditions. The University of Cincinnati helped Honda integrate the sensors on the test vehicles and led the damage-detection-feature development including potholes, guardrails, signs and shoulder drops. Honda also provided systemmaintenance service to the ODOT during the trial operation. The pilot programme showed a 99% accuracy for identifying damaged or obstructed road signs, a 93% accuracy for damaged guardrails and an 89% average accuracy for detecting potholes. Importantly, an AIfeedback loop pipeline was built that enabled ODOT team members to flag misdetections, helping the system learn and improve over time. Insights showed that only a small percentage of roads had insufficient lane markings, suggesting that restriping schedules could be optimised. Vehicle-sensor data also reliably measured roadroughness levels and provided valuable insights for maintenance planning. The Proactive Roadway Maintenance System further detected high-severity shoulder drop-offs that were difficult to identify through routine visual inspection. By reducing the need for manual inspections, the system enhances safety for maintenance crews and minimises their exposure to traffic hazards. The project team estimates that automated roadcondition detection could save ODOT more than $4.5 million annually through less manual inspection time, optimised maintenance schedules and prevention of costly deferred repairs through proactive inspection. End www.parsons.com https://i-probe-inc.com https://drive.ohio.gov/home Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

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AIRPORT PAVING

Efficient

AIRPORT PAVING Mike Woof REPORTS

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AIRPORT PAVING

Appalti Engineering is using a Sumitomo HA60C-11 paver for the expansion of the airstrip at Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, Italy. The machine is said to suit use for both large and small thicknesses, with high production rates

key design feature of Sumitomo pavers is the innovative J-Paver screed. This component is of special benefit for the wheeled models, further boosting their versatility for a wide range of challenging jobsites. Meanwhile, for the tracked versions, the added traction allows the screed system to deliver maximum capacity in any application. These capabilities of the Sumitomo pavers helped a contractor to select the HA60C-11 model for a challenging project. This model of paver was chosen by Appalti Engineering for paving a runway extension at Abruzzo Airport. This demanding

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project has meant extending the airport’s runway by 389m and expanding the runway area by more than 20,000m2, allowing more room for take-offs, landings and manoeuvring by aircraft. The extension will boost safety and allow the airport to be accessed by larger aircraft that require longer runways. The construction site is being developed in several phases. The first phase involved preparing the subfoundation, with the excavation of the surface soil according to project elevations. This was followed by soil stabilisation to form the base and deliver the necessary design strength.

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AIRPORT PAVING

ABOVE The 380-metre extension of the airport runway has resulted in an increase in surface area of over 20,000 square metres to be created from scratch

RIGHT The Sumitomo HA60C-11 carried out the paving of all the layers that make up the pavement package

At this point, Appalti Engineering stepped in to deliver the flexible pavement package for the airport runway. The package consists of 20cm of cementbound granular material, 13cm of base course, 8cm for the binder course and finally, 5cm of wearing course as the top layer. This covers more than 20,000m2 for each layer. The project timeline saw the completion of the initial phases by December 2025, with the final surface layer being laid in March 2026 when temperatures will be ideal. Appalti Engineering selected the Sumitomo HA60C-11 based on several substantial considerations. The machine's technical characteristics were the starting point and the J-Paver screed was a particularly

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL.1

important factor. The screed offers the ability to work continuously with paving widths from 2.3-6m without extensions and without having to remove side plates during transport, although for the airport job the machine worked with the screed at its maximum extension to maximise productivity. Another fundamental technical feature is the mold-board in front of the screed extension. These components meter the flow of material toward the screed. The augers, with hydraulic height adjustment, ensure constant filling while the hydraulic adjustment cylinders provide a regular flow of material. This reduces the machine's tractive effort and increases paving precision. Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

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AIRPORT PAVING

ABOVE The design of the moldboard allows for optimal distribution of the material across the entire paving width

RIGHT The Sumitomo HA60C-11 allowed for optimal paving with high production rates, ensuring compliance with construction-site deadlines

The strike-off, installed in front of the tamper, distributes and pre-compacts the material before it reaches the tamper. This simple but effective solution is said to provide a dual effect. Firstly, it helps to achieve high material compaction after laying, reducing the work required by rollers downstream. Secondly, this reduces tamper wear and lowers maintenance costs. A key feature, which further complements other technical solutions on the Sumitomo HA60C-11, is the fully hydraulic adjustable plates. These help to deliver smoothness for the mat, avoiding thickness jumps between plates. Furthermore, the design allows the profile to be optimally adapted to project sections by forming positive or negative crowns in real time during paving, without using manual tools. The plates are made with Sumi Steel, a special grade from Sumitomo that has increased durability from 1,500-4,000 working hours, decreasing maintenance costs. A final feature is the automatic temperature control of the screed and immediate control of tamper speed and vibration which can be from either the driver's seat or by the operators working near the screed. Because Sumitomo has made the machine highly efficient due to the performance of the screed, the HA60C-11 is said to have other notable aspects. Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

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AIRPORT PAVING For example, the Yanmar 4TN107 engine powering the HA60C-11 is rated at just 110kW, which drops to 108kW in Eco-Mode. This is lower than the market average for pavers in its size class and is achieved as the extra power is not required. The integrated electronic management of the low hydraulic absorption screed, travel, and plate heating allows for lower power requirements and, consequently, lower fuel consumption. In addition, the electronic management operates on three levels. In the event of an electronic board failure, it is still possible to proceed in manual mode to finish the job or move the machine for repair. The novel hopper configuration has hydraulic front plates. This solution optimises feeding and allows for a loading height of 46cm from the ground. This makes it possible to work even with vehicles that do not have a movable rear underrun bar. The ease of filling and speed of laying are facilitated by the shape of the hoppers and the full reversibility of the augers and conveyor belts. This allows the operator to control the flow of the mix precisely and without waste. The tracked undercarriage features rocker roller suspension to conform to obstacles such as manholes,

The J-Paver screed ensures a high quality of paving with precompaction due to the novel features used by Sumitomo BELOW The J-Paver screed ensures a high quality of paving with pre-compaction due to the novel features used by Sumitomo

"Because Sumitomo has made the machine highly efficient due to the performance of the screed, the HA60C-11 is said to have other notable aspects"

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AIRPORT PAVING

LEFT The hopper is equipped with independent bulkheads and reversible feeding belts that allow the screed to be fed efficiently

ABOVE The shaped and fully hydraulic hopper allows unloading, even with trucks without the raisable rear anti-underrun bar

holes or ground irregularities. This is essential in all situations requiring a multi-role machine capable of paving large surfaces with significant thicknesses, like at Pescara Airport, or in urban environments, ensuring high-quality paving. Sumitomo’s travel-control system not only ensures the set speed and direction but also allows settings to be memorised and activated when needed with a simple on/off switch. The Sumitomo HA60C-11 is an advanced paver that is claimed to provide high paving capacity with low operating costs, due to innovative solutions. Appalti Engineering chose the HA60C-11 for all these reasons, and more. Another important factor was the dealer support. OMS, the European importer of Sumitomo pavers, has built a high-level sales and service network. This machine was supplied by Edimac, a dealer based in Pescara, next to the airport. End www.sumitomocorp.com  Produced in association with Sumitomo

APPALTI ENGINEERING, A SOLID REALITY IN ABRUZZO Appalti Engineering is one of the leading roadconstruction companies in Central Italy. With its two asphalt-mixing plants located in Elice (Pescara) and Chieti, it can handle major contracts by controlling the supply chain. This advantage allowed the company to meet the demands of the Abruzzo Airport project.

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$806 MILLION COLORADO HIGHWAY UPGRADE An $806 million highway upgrade is being proposed in Denver, Colorado. A 104.km stretch of the I-270 highway has been put forward by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

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Denver, Colorado, will benefit from a proposed new highway link

and ageing infrastructure. Meanwhile, improvement work has been carried out to a 1.6km stretch of Interstate 70, near Exit 285 toward Airport Boulevard. The work has been carried out in Adams County by contractor Myers and Sons Construction for CDOT. The project upgraded existing drainage structures, added new trench drains and installed a channel filtration system to reduce flooding and improve water flow. Crews also removed built-up debris, protecting inlets, and connected new concrete pipes to the existing drainage system. These improvements will help prevent hydroplaning and ice formation while extending the lifespan of the road by protecting the pavement from water damage. New guardrails were also installed, as well as new signage and striping, improving the roadway visibility. End

he plan is to widen the highway with an extra express toll lane in either direction. This would cut congestion and journey times for drivers. CDOT is inviting the public to review and comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for improvements to Interstate 270, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This will include a preferred alternative that would add one Express Lane in each direction. There will be three in-person public hearings where the public can learn more about the DEIS and provide comments in person or via a comment form after the hearing. There will also be two informational webinars that the public can attend to learn more about the DEIS from project team members. The I-270 corridor between Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 needs improvements because it suffers heavy congestion, reliability challenges

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A new highway stretch in Texas provides a bypass around Diboll

Sacyr completes $146 million Texas project

Spanish contractor Sacyr has completed its work on a highway project in Texas, worth $146 million. The US 59 highway is located in Diboll and will form part of the I-69 highway in the future. The firm says that the US-59 project required the construction of a new 13.2km highway section. The new highway section will help to boost connectivity in the area and improve traffic flow for a key route in Texas. This section provides a bypass around Diboll, eliminating local traffic, level crossings and traffic lights. This will help to increase road safety in Diboll and for the highway, while reducing journey times for drivers. The main works on this project involved building 28 bridges and installing 12,000m of concrete barrier. More than 172,000tonnes of asphalt surfacing were laid. This is the second project Sacyr has completed for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

$700 MILLION LOS ANGELES BRIDGE UPGRADE

onstruction work for the $700 million upgrade to the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles is commencing. The work will require the bridge to be closed for 16 months while the existing deck is replaced. The project is due for completion before the 2028 Olympics. The bridge carries the Seaside Freeway, linking San Pedro with Terminal Island and Long Beach.

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BELOW The Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles is to be upgraded with a new deck

However, the proposal to raise the deck of the bridge by 8m will not go ahead. This was considered too expensive at $1.5 billion and would also have caused further traffic disruption with a necessary two-year closure. The bridge provides a clearance of 56m for vessels entering the Port of Los Angeles. The project is being managed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Completed in 1963, the bridge is said to be structurally sound but its deck needs to be replaced. A combination of heavy traffic and the marine environment has resulted in the deck needing replacement. End

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$643 MILLION TAMPA BAY CONTRACT

A joint-venture partnership is starting work on a major road contract worth $643 million in Tampa Bay, Florida

I-40 freeway in North Carolina

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ABOVE The Tampa Bay area is to benefit from a new $643 million contract that will cut traffic congestion

pedestrians. The work will also link northern and southern areas of the highway through new underpasses and bridges. An estimated 400,000 vehicles/day are expected to benefit from reduced travel times and safer infrastructure. End

North Carolina is benefiting from new highway works worth close to $1.2 billion. One of the projects is for I-40, while the other is for I-485. The upgrade work is being managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). New toll lanes are being proposed for I-40 on the stretch between Clyde and Asheville. The work will widen the highway to boost capacity and is expected to cost $846 million. The proposal has been put forward by the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. Meanwhile, part of the $346 million I-485 toll-lanes project is now open to traffic. The Weddington Road interchange has been opened to traffic, although the installation of traffic lights and other works remain to be completed. According to NCDOT, the I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and US 74 (Independence Boulevard) in Charlotte. In addition, the project will add a general-purpose lane in each direction along I-485 between Rea Road and Providence Road. In coordination with other projects in southern Mecklenburg County, this project will serve as part of a larger network of express lanes. The I-485 widening project commenced in 2019 and was originally planned to open by 2022. The work was delayed and the entire I-485 toll-lanes project is due for completion in February 2026.

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$1.2 billion North Carolina highway works

he 50/50 partnership is being carried out by Lane Construction, the US subsidiary of the Webuild Group, and Superior Construction. The two firms are working together on the new Westshore Interchange for the client, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which awarded the contract. Superior Construction is acting as the managing (lead) member for the project. The construction of the Westshore Interchange is the largest infrastructure project in the Tampa Bay area. The project will upgrade and boost safety and traffic capacity on I-275, SR 60 and Veterans Expressway. The work is needed because the area has high traffic volumes. In 2023 the joint venture signed a $10 million contract for design services, leading to these latest contracts. The phased development of the project involved collaboration with FDOT. The work includes building new elevated ramps to improve access to Tampa International Airport, wider lanes on State Road 60, connection to express lanes, and improved infrastructure for cyclists and

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$232 million Bronx Bridge built

A new bascule bridge now spans Westchester Creek in NYC

The new Unionport Bridge spanning Westchester Creek in the Bronx in New York City has been completed. This new bascule bridge replaces an earlier bascule bridge dating from the 1950s. The $232 million Unionport Bridge carries the Bruckner Expressway and provides an important connection for drivers in New York City. This new bridge features two side-by-side, single-leaf bascule spans, each supporting three lanes of traffic. It also has a dedicated pedestrian walkway and protected bike lane. Efficient operation is ensured due to the advanced mechanical and electrical systems for rapid bridge lifts and safe marine navigation. The Unionport Bridge connects key arteries such as the Cross Bronx Expressway, Bruckner Expressway and Hutchinson River Parkway. The bridge has been designed for a 75-year service life. Construction was managed in phases to keep roads and maritime traffic operational, meeting New York City Department of Transportation’s goals for safety, durability, and community impact. US Webuild subsidiary Lane Construction and its partner, Schiavone Construction Co., now SPC Construction Co., led the project, coordinating complex marine, structural and traffic management operations. End

STEELES AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS FOR HDR

HDR will deliver engineering services for the planned Steeles Avenue corridor improvements in Halton, Canada

he project represents a significant investment by the region, designed to improve public safety and address future travel demand in the town of Milton, Ontario. The project includes multiple complexities in its 1.5km corridor, including two road-under-rail grade separations (involving two separate Class I railroads), a new rail-over-water bridge and two road-overwater bridges. A new greenfield alignment will allow a wider four-lane road but will be adjacent to an environmentally sensitive, UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, requiring management to limit adverse impacts during and after construction. The expanded road will also cross a large floodplain that will require careful mitigation.

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HDR will start with preliminary design and continue through detailed and final design, tender preparation, construction management and postconstruction services. The complex grade separations will be a key task, requiring a mix of municipal engineering and Class I railroad-design experience. “The Steeles Avenue improvements highlight our staff ’s ability to deliver grade separations of all configurations,” said Cristian Huma, the project manager for HDR. “We have experience in design and construction of over 20 complex grade separations throughout Canada, and the region will benefit from our depth of experience, unmatched resources, and technical expertise. End LEFT HDR will carry out engineering services for the planned Steeles Avenue corridor improvements in Halton, Canada

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$4.6 BILLION GEORGIA HIGHWAY UPGRADE Construction is starting for the $4.6 billion project that will provide more tolled express lanes and bus rapid transit to Highway 400 in the US state of Georgia

Drivers in the US state of Georgia will benefit from new express lanes that will help cut congestion

he project is being managed by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The work will be carried out on a 25.6km stretch and the project is due for completion in 2031. Financing for the work is being provided by the consortium SR 400 Peach Partners. The firm has a 50-year concession package to operate and maintain the toll lanes. The consortium comprises ACS Infra, Acciona and Meridiam. The new express lanes for SR 400 will lie between the MARTA North Springs Station at Exit 5C in Fulton County and around 1.6km to the north of the SR 400/McFarland Parkway Interchange at Exit 12 in Forsyth County. Ramps and a collector-distributor (C/D) system that is currently under construction will connect the current general-purpose lanes on I-285 to the Express Lanes. Once complete, the SR 400 Express Lanes project is intended to reduce congestion at the SR 400 and I-285 interchange. This will also connect with the proposed I-285 Top End East. End

$146 million Texas highway project awarded

A road-upgrade project will improve traffic flow in San Antonio, Texas

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The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has awarded a $146 million package of works to local firm Jordan Foster Construction. This will be the first phase of a wider project to upgrade US 90, which runs around the city, on the west side of San Antonio between SH 211 and I-410. Jordan Foster will carry out upgrade work to a 5.5km stretch of US 90 between I-410 and Loop 1604. This work is due for completion in 2030. Work is anticipated to commence on the 7km stretch of US 90 between Loop 1604 and SH 211 in 2028 and should take around 36 months to complete. The funding for this stretch has yet to be finalised, with the tendering process to select a contractor for the work expected in due course. The entire project is expected to cost around $473 million, with the work providing three lanes in either direction as well as revamped interchange connections once complete. Auxiliary lanes, a roundabout and facilities for vulnerable road users will also be included in the package. The project will boost capacity significantly because the existing road features only two lanes in either direction.

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$718 MILLION FLORIDA HIGHWAY WIDENING

BELOW Two new highway projects worth a total of $718 million will help cut congestion in Tampa and Orlando in Florida

Organization. As part of the project, a new trucking-parking facility with space for 100 trucks will be built in Polk County. Meanwhile, the fifth lane being added to SR 408 eastbound between I-4 and Orange Blossom Trail is intended to cut traffic congestion before NFL events being held at the Camping World Stadium. Construction is starting shortly for a new interchange at Tampa Avenue, with the work due for completion in 2029. Work will also be carried out to other interchanges and on and off ramps. The project is being managed by the Central Florida Expressway Authority and includes the addition of sophisticated tolling technology. Once the work is complete, it is expected to cut congestion in Orlando. End

wo major highway-widening projects are being planned in Florida, with a combined value of $718 million. The larger of the two projects, worth $500 million, will be to widen a stretch of I-4 between the junction with I-75 and County Line Road. The other project will see an extra lane added to SR 408, close to I-4 and is worth $218 million. Express lanes featuring sophisticated dynamic tolling will be added to I-4 along a 27km stretch between the interchange with I-75 and County Line Road, with the project starting in 2028. The start date for the work was originally 2037 but will now be 2028 to address congestion issues. The work has been approved by the Hillsborough County, Florida, Transportation Planning

NORTH AMERICAN EDITION

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ROAD RECYCLING

THE SCORE CARD FROM SCREENCORE

Director of Screencore, Ciarán Ryan*, outlines why mobile screening, crushing and material-handling solutions are playing a major role in dealing with construction and demolition waste materials - much of which can be reused for road construction

ABOVE Weighing in at just 18,250kg, Screencore’s XJ Dual-Power Crusher is easily relocated without the need for permits (image courtesy Screencore)

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t is estimated that, globally, hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide could be removed from the atmosphere by the recycling and reclamation of material that is usually considered waste. This significant reduction in emissions highlights the environmental benefits of recycling material, including - and especially - that from road demolition. The global construction industry is said to generate 1.3 billion tonnes of waste annually. A detailed 2018 report, Characterisation of Building-related Construction and Demolition Debris in the United States, noted that the country generated 600 million tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) debris. This is more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste.** Demolition represents more than 90% of total C&D debris generation in the US, according to the report. Just over 455 million tonnes of C&D debris is directed for reprocessing, with just under 145 million tonnes being sent to landfill. Similar figures are reported throughout Europe and other parts of the world. India, in particular, is now looking to reduce the amount of material being sent to landfill. Advanced technologies and their application are key to recycling and reuse. Facilities exist that employ automated sorting systems, magnetic separators and

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other technologies to efficiently recover recyclable materials. Yet, being able to deal with material at source is often more cost-effective. It also minimises transport costs, road emissions and avoids so-called double-handling of the material. Companies working in the demolition and recycling industries have been quick to see how mobile material-processing and -handling equipment can aid their business operations. Playing a major part has been the development of compact tracked jaw crushers, scalper-screens, trommels and radial stockpilers. In addition, mobile pugmills have proved ideal for dealing with asphalt, channelling what once was waste back into highway construction. These solutions help turn C&D material into highquality aggregate and other valuable products, with processing and handling solutions developed to meet the needs of the modern contractor and recycling operation. Manufacturers have set out to build equipment to the highest standards so people in the field can be more profitable, efficient and effective in what they do. Environmental efficiency has, in most cases, been incorporated into product development to minimise customers’ carbon footprint and turn construction waste into reusable and/or resaleable products. A typical application is feeding demolished or excavated material into a compact tracked jaw crusher - being compact it is easily transported to and from site. Many modern compact jaw crushers are designed with a low environmental footprint. This Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

ROAD RECYCLING

makes them ideal for meeting the needs of a recycling contractor, rental fleet owner or contractors working on an inner-city demolition/recycling site. The machines often weigh around 60-65 tonnes, such as Screencore’s XJ Dual-Power Crusher. This means they can be easily relocated without the need for road permits. They are also designed to be both environmentally and acoustically friendly while delivering impressive throughput, even when the material to be recycled is concrete reinforced with rebar. Following the crushing of the material to, for example, less than 100mm in size, it is then fed into scalper/ screener systems, often to produce 25mm, 50mm and +50mm products. In addition, before being fed into a mobile screen, any ferrous metals such as rebar or wire are easily removed for resale/recycling by the overband magnet on the discharge conveyor. In many applications the 25mm material is used generally for pipe bedding. Meanwhile, 50mm and +50mm material is used directly as road subbase or as feed material for secondary crushing for concrete production. Material greater in size than 50mm is used normally as drainage stone. Because of the modern, compact nature of the equipment, contractors and rental fleet owners have found that the crusher-and-screen combination can be readily transported to where the material lies. It can then be processed where it originated and generally where it is needed, resulting in no unnecessary emissions, material handling or transport costs. In addition, the local environment and road network are not subject to unnecessary traffic disturbances and the overall carbon footprint of the contract is dramatically reduced. Quick set-up times, easily adjusted closed side-settings, fuel efficiency and ease of transport are just some of the reasons that contractors and recyclers are adopting such mobile equipment. Despite the excellence of the individual products, two pieces of equipment are required - a screener and a stockpiler - to combine the attributes of precision screening and scalping with large material stockpiles. Screencore has introduced a product which combines stockpiling and scalping-screening. The Hi-Stak 125 solution was developed because contractors were required to produce high-quality, accurately sized aggregate, while at the same time needing to produce large material stockpiles. Mounted on tracks, the HiStak 125 screener-stockpiler is able to go where the material is located and it can follow the tracked crushers and screens. For some operations, however, mobility is not essential. This has led to the development of bespoke stationary solutions, often based around a trommel

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BELOW With a 1000mm x 650mm jaw, the XJ DualPower Crusher is easily transported and can be fully operational within 10 minutes of arrival on site (image courtesy Screencore)

screen working alongside stockpilers and scalpers. Many manufacturers offer a variety of customised stationary solutions to suit individual applications. Their in-house design teams collaborate with customers to develop an efficient and long-lasting material-handling system. These systems often work in conjunction with air-separation systems for use in both stationery and mobile plants. They are engineered for plastic or ‘light’ contamination removal from C&D, compost and mulch and are available with diesel or electric power. Importantly, an increasing trend in these days of high fuel costs has been the supply of alternativepower solutions for both stationery and mobile equipment. Stationary - and increasingly mobile plants are electrically powered, making efficient and cost-effective use of mains electricity. Mains electricity has proved ideal for delivering a cost-effective and environmentally efficient solution. Through the use of mains electricity, precision processing of materials is accomplished without producing the emissions that would be of concern and, at the same time, doing so at a low cost. End www.screencore.ie Screencore equipment, which is designed and manufactured in Northern Ireland, is marked by versatility, ease of use and productivity. With a senior management team that has been involved in mobile crushing and screening since its inception, Screencore now has a distributor team that spans the world. ** The report was prepared by Franklin Associates, a subcontractor of TechLaw, a prime contractor of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Solid Waste.

*Ciarán Ryan started in the mobile crushing and screening industry in the early 1990s with Extec. Following stints in Germany, UK and Ireland, he spent a number of years developing and marketing the Erin Fingerscreener and became managing director at Erin. Ryan later travelled extensively throughout Africa during his five years with Sandvik. While there, he also trained as a commercial helicopter pilot - which helped with the travel! In 2017 he founded Screencore in conjunction with Seamus McGrath of Ezystak. Developing the company’s dealers and new equipment, and working on applications throughout the world, has allowed Ciarán to travel to almost 100 countries and given him great insight into the challenges faced by operators and distributors in the crushing and screening industry.

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EUROFILE

NEWS

A tunnel entrance is seen lower right in the artist’s depiction of the new proposed tunnel (image courtesy Port of Helsinki)

HELSINKI TUNNEL APPROVED

Plans are in hand for the €300 million harbour tunnel project for Finland’s capital, Helsinki. The project has now been approved by the Helsinki City Board

he work is intended to reduce vehicle traffic movements around the port area, while increasing traffic and passenger numbers at the West Harbour (Länsisatama). The tunnel will link Jätkäsaari and Länsiväylä and the project will be financed by the Port of Helsinki. The work is needed because

the Port of Helsinki intends to concentrate passenger and car-ferry traffic coming from or heading to Tallinn through West Harbour. The volume of traffic and passengers will increase in West Harbour as a result, necessitating the new tunnel for vehicle traffic between Länsiväylä and West Harbour. The tunnel

will be approximately 2km in length and is expected to be completed in the early 2030s. The harbour tunnel will move heavy traffic in West Harbour away from the streets which will lower traffic congestion. The tunnel will also reduce traffic noise and pollution in the Jätkäsaari district and improve traffic safety in the area.

Westend work starts

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MORAVA SECTION OPENS

Construction work is underway for the Westend Bridge in Berlin. The structure forms part of the A100 and is located on the west side of the city. The old Westend Bridge had to be closed in 2025 due to its poor condition and was then demolished. The city’s Ringbahn Bridge also had to be closed due to structural problems and is also being replaced. The construction work for the new Westend Bridge is being carried out by a consortium and should take around 18 months to complete. Once the new bridge is ready, the stretch of the A100 between the TV Tower and Spandau will be reopened. Meanwhile, the replacement of Westend Bridge and Ringbahn Bridge will only be part of the improvement work required for the city. The authorities have recognised that a total of 300 bridges in Berlin need to be either replaced or upgraded. Of these, 175 need to be replaced by 2040, while the remaining 125 will need major improvement works.

According to the Port of Helsinki, an environmental impact assessment was completed in spring 2024. Construction of the tunnel’s above-ground entrances requires a building permit which could be granted next year. Work could then start in 2028 with completion set for 2032.

A new stretch of Serbia’s Morava Corridor Motorway is opening to traffic, the Kraljevo to Vrnjačka Banja section. The project is being carried out through a joint venture between Bechtel and ENKA. The 112km motorway is one of Serbia’s largest infrastructure projects. About 36km of river regulation and 26km of dykes - including high embankments, scour protection, river diversions and new riverbeds - will provide long-term resilience for the region. When complete, the Morava Corridor will be Serbia’s first digital motorway, featuring smart-traffic systems supported by up to 1,000km of fibreoptic cable. The corridor will include 79 bridges and 13 interchanges.

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EUROFILE

NEWS

Lyon ponders new tunnel

BOUTIN HEADS UP ASECAP

Saône and the River Rhône, as well as under the Presqu'île area. The project would be due for completion in 2037. The current tunnel is twintube and four-lanes and has a speed limit of only 70kph. It was the subject of major safety upgrades between 2006 and 2018 that included complete closure for several nights and weekends. It carries around 110,000 vehicles daily.

Christophe Boutin will further promote the user-pays principle as a sustainable financing model and support long-term investment in safe, resilient and climate-aligned road infrastructure across Europe

Lyon is considering another road tunnel that would relieve congestion on the existing 1.8km Fourvière Tunnel running under the city centre. The proposed 8km tunnel would cost around €2 billion and provide a link from the A6 at Pont d'Écully/ Valvert to the A7 at Saint-Fons/ Boulevard périphérique Laurent Bonnevay. The alignment would carry the tunnel underneath the River

ASECAP has appointed Christophe Boutin as president for the year 2026, following the decision by the association’s General Assembly in Rome last month infrastructure sector, as toll road operators play a key role in delivering EU transport, climate and connectivity objectives. Boutin is a graduate of the École Polytechnique and École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in France. His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening ASECAP’s contribution to the European Green Deal, the TEN-T policy framework and the Fit for 55 package, while fostering constructive dialogue with European Union institutions on resilient, sustainable and user-funded transport infrastructure. In addition to his role at ASFA, Boutin is a board member of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA). He is also president of the European Facilitation Platform (EFP) which supports the deployment of the European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) and interoperability across the European Single Market.

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

GENOA TUNNEL TENDER

The tender process is now underway for a €970 million sub-port tunnel in the northern Italian city of Genoa. The client for the project, Autostrade per l'Italia (Aspi), requires that the project be completed in six years and three months. The bidding process will run until the end of March. The tender is for the tunnel section of the project which has an estimated cost of €468 million. The requirements of the tender specify that the tunnel should be driven using a TBM, using conventional, segmented, precast-concrete lining methods to support the structure.

SECAP - Association Européenne des Concessionnaires d’Autoroutes et d’ouvrages à Péage - is the European Association of Operators of Toll Road Infrastructures. The network of its national members covers more than 82,700 km of toll motorways, bridges and tunnels across 17 countries. Boutin stated he is committed to building on the work of his predecessors to further reinforce ASECAP’s engagement with European institutions and stakeholders. He will work to further promote the user-pays principle as a sustainable financing model and support long-term investment in safe, resilient and climate-aligned road infrastructure across Europe. Boutin is executive director of ASFA, the French Association of Toll Motorway, Tunnel and Bridge Infrastructure Companies. ASECAP said his appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the European road-

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ONSITE

LIEBHERR ON TOP IN IPSWICH When Whitnell Plant, a small family business in the UK, sought a new dozer, it needed to handle a wide range of tasks. These ranged from fine trimming to heavy pushing, while remaining comfortable for the operator during long days on site. Trials were arranged between Liebherr and another leading brand, with careful evaluation of fuel economy, performance and operator comfort. Following the tests, the Liebherr PR 736 G8 emerged as the preferred choice. “The trials gave us a clear understanding of the machine’s capabilities,” explained company director Lionel Whitnell. “It offered consistent performance and overall efficiency for our needs, supported by excellent guidance from our sales representative.” The PR 736 G8 ordered by Whitnell Plant was tailored to its specific requirements. Its 4.84m³ six-way PAT blade features foldable corners to reduce transport width, while LGP tracks lower ground pressure to just 6.1psi, ideal for soft ground. Meanwhile, a five-tine ripper enhances versatility and additional LED lighting, and a 360° camera system ensures safe and efficient operation. Powered by a 7-litre diesel engine delivering 178kW, the hydrostatic transmission adjusts speed and drawbar pull automatically, delivering smooth and efficient operation across varying conditions.

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ABOVE The PR 736 G8 from Whitnell Plant made its debut near the English town of Ipswich on a land-remediation project, spreading cut-and-fill material across a 50m-wide site to exact levels for follow-on compaction

Inside the Generation 8 cab the operator benefits from excellent visibility, ergonomically placed controls, and pre-wiring for Trimble or Leica GPS systems. Liebherr’s Operator Assistance Systems, including Active Blade Stabilisation and Active Blade Positioning, support precise grading with minimal effort. The PR 736 G8 made its debut near the English town of Ipswich on a land-remediation project, spreading cut-and-fill material across a 50m-wide site to exact levels for follow-on compaction. “The machine handled the material smoothly and consistently, allowing us to achieve a precise finish efficiently,” said Whitnell. Initial servicing will be supported by Liebherr, with ongoing maintenance managed by Whitnell Plant. “We know what is required to keep a hydrostatic dozer in peak condition,” Whitnell noted. “Liebherr’s support is reliable and always available when needed.” The Liebherr Group - also a family-run business based in the German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller - includes more than 150 companies across all continents. In 2024, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of more than €14 billion. www.liebherr.com

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EUROFILE

ONSITE

HITACHI AND LEICA FOR UK CONTRACTOR RM Contractors based in the UK recently invested in 14 Hitachi excavators and opted for Leica GPS machine control on part of the new fleet. The excavator investment - 10 Hitachi ZX130LCN7B’s and four Hitachi ZX210LC-7’s - underscores the company’s commitment to innovation, efficiency and precision in construction, ensuring projects are delivered to the highest standards while strengthening its position as a forward-thinking leader in the industry. RM Contractors is a family-owned groundworks and civil engineering business headquartered in the UK’s West Midlands county of Worcestershire and operating for more than 30 years in the region. “We have watched the industry implement GPS solutions and earlier this year we purchased four machines including base and cab kits,” said Tom Scarborough, head of technical, engineering and quality assurance at RM Contractors. “Following our own internal trial and review, we decided to purchase a further 14 machines with base kits and four with cab kits. “We have found that using Leica GPS systems saves our engineers time and increases our site efficiency. This can be seen through material management and site output.” “We are delighted to support RM Contractors in their investment in Leica GPS machine-control technology,” said Jon Barnfield, Midlands sales director for Hitachi Construction Machinery UK. “By integrating this advanced system with our Hitachi machinery, they are setting a benchmark for efficiency, accuracy and sustainability in the

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

ABOVE & BELOW Following an internal trial and review of four new machines, RM Contractors decided to purchase a further 14 units with base kits and four with cab kits

construction sector. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and delivering solutions that empower customers to achieve more with confidence.” Since 2022, Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) has been offering its Zaxis-7 excavators ranging from 10-50tonnes with factory-fitted 2D and 3D machine control solutions from Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon. The solutions are installed in the Hitachi factory in Amsterdam, Netherlands. www.hitachi.com

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ESKILSTUNA FOR VOLVO EXCAVATORS Volvo Construction Equipment selects Eskilstuna, Sweden, for its new crawler excavator assembly plant to serve the European market

round 2,500 employees work there, about an hour’s drive from Stockholm, in functions ranging from operations, technology, sales, purchasing, marketing-communications and IT. Volvo CE announced in June last year that the investment in Sweden would be part of the company’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the excavator segment. The company said that the 30,000m² facility at its global headquarters in Eskilstuna aims to meet the growing European customer demand by increasing capacity and flexibility. It will also enable reduced reliance on long-distance logistics, allow for shorter delivery times and, in doing so, enhance supply-chain resilience while reducing carbon emissions. “This strategic investment in the future of excavator production in Eskilstuna marks a new era for us and

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the Swedish industry,” said Melker Jernberg, head of Volvo CE. “It will significantly contribute to reinforcing Sweden's position as a leader in advanced sustainable manufacturing. Bringing additional high-value production and utilising our cutting-edge technology in Eskilstuna will support local job creation, skills development and a continued collaboration with Sweden’s strong network of industrial suppliers and research partners.” Jernberg also said that the move will strengthen Europe’s innovation and engineering power and industrial resilience in an increasingly competitive global market. “To get full leverage, we also count on a strong and swift execution on Europe’s and Sweden’s promised agenda on regulatory and administrative simplification.”. End www.volvoce.com

The company said that the 30,000m² facility at its global headquarters in Eskilstuna aims to meet the growing European customer demand by increasing capacity and flexibility

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EUROFILE

EQUIPMENT © Volvo CE

SER’s sense for safety

Stevens Equipment Rental is the first customer of Cat dealer Finning UK & Ireland to purchase a Cat 972 wheeled loader with Cat’s Collision Warning System

“

e are delighted that our long-term partner, Stevens Equipment Rental, has been so quick to adopt this new, fully integrated technology,” said Neil Baxter, key account manager at Finning UK & Ireland. “It demonstrates their proactive commitment to safety and their deep understanding of what contractors need on major projects.” The factory-fitted Collision Warning System aims to enhance operator awareness and mitigate hazards behind the machine through three key features – rear-object detection, rear-view camera with people detection and motion inhibit. Rear-object detection uses sensors to monitor and alert the operator to static and moving objects, while the rear-view camera with people detection specifically identifies the human form, highlighting people on the in-cab monitor with red boxes to manage potential risks. Motion inhibit completes the system with an extra layer of protection, automatically preventing the machine from reversing if it has been stationary and a hazard is detected. Sensors on the rear of the wheeled loader differentiate between static and moving objects, including people, and stop the machine if a collision is likely. Andrew Stevens, managing director of SER, formerly known as Peter Stevens Dumptruck Hire, said his company aims to offer the highest quality fleet in the UK and that means investing in innovation that protects people and boosts performance. “Being among the first to bring this technology to market isn’t just about leading the way. It’s about giving our customers access to smarter, safer machines that help them deliver projects with confidence.” Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

ABOVE A Cat 972 wheeled loader from Stevens Equipment Rental - SER - featuring a Collision Warning System in the SER fleet BELOW Sensors on the rear of the Cat 972 wheeled loader, from Stevens Equipment Rental (SER), differentiate between static and moving objects, including people, and stop the machine if a collision is likely

The purchase marks the next step in SER’s wider safety strategy. The company is already retrofitting human-form detection systems across its existing fleet, as well as introducing motion-inhibit technology on its larger wheeled loaders. SER is celebrating its 50th anniversary at its base in the county of Cumbria, northern England. The company manages a fleet of more than 180 machines including dumptrucks (25-60 tonnes), loading shovels (16-36 tonnes), material handlers, excavators and tracked dozers. It also supplies a full range of wear parts from brands such as UK-based buckets and attachments maker MST. End www.caterpillar.com www.serental.co.uk https://www.mstpartsgroup.com

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HYUNDAI FIRSTS FOR TPH PLANT

Kent-based TPH Plant Hire has added six Hyundai compact excavators to its fleet

BELOW UK hire company TPH Plant has, among its first Hyundai units, two 8.5-tonne HX85A midi excavators

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he deal, one of the first for recently appointed Hyundai dealer Rygor Plant, includes two 1.8-tonne HX17Az minis, two HX30Az 3-tonne and two 8.5-tonne HX85A midi excavators. “We buy around 120 machines a year from a variety of manufacturers, but these are our first Hyundais,” said company owner, Paul Newman. “We have a very good relationship with Rygor Plant, however, for other equipment so we wanted to give the machines a try.” The compact excavators have already started working on projects across the UK and feedback from site has been so positive that the company is already considering further purchases. “We are thinking about buying some more. We’ll possibly be looking at up to 50 machines next year from Hyundai,” said Newman. TPH Plant Hire, originally Tara Plant Hire, started in 1992 with a fleet mainly of backhoe loaders. Much of the company’s work was with utility and rail contractors. “We needed to diversify from just backhoe loaders and we did a deal with another manufacturer for 50 mini excavators, from 1.5-8-tonnes,” said Newman. The company continued to serve the utility market as it moved from reliance on backhoes to other equipment, including compact excavators. Since that time, the range of customers has also expanded. “We will travel anywhere as many of these machines are on longer term hire.” TPH currently has more than 1,000 pieces of equipment in its fleet. This includes excavators from micros to 15-tonners, 1-9-tonne site dumpers,

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

telescopic handlers, compaction equipment and yes, still some backhoes. “The 3-tonner is very good,” said plant operations manager, Tim Holland. “But the 8-tonne Hyundai is just a dream machine.” Hyundai’s HX17Az is the smallest model in the firm’s latest generation of mini excavators. Powered by a Stage V 12.1kW diesel engine, the zero tailswing machine is available with a ROPS/TOPS cab or a canopy. Several dipper arm lengths are offered, along with a heavy counterweight option if required. As with the larger models, the HX17Az can be ordered with Hyundai’s HiMate telematic system, providing realtime data and monitoring. The HX30Az also benefits from a zero-tail design. The 2.9-tonne machine is powered by an 18.5kW diesel engine and it features auto-shift travel, an overload warning, an anti-theft system and safety valves on the boom, arm and dozer blade cylinders to ensure safe digging and lifting. The largest of the Hyundai compact machines, the HX85A tips the scales at just under 8.5-tonnes. A powerful Stage V 49.5kW diesel engine drives a loadsensing hydraulic system for improved control and efficiency. Available with a choice of mono boom or two-piece main boom, the HX85A can be ordered with standard or long dipper arm options. The spacious cab delivers the ideal operator environment for all-day comfort, ensuring high performance on any jobsite. Hyundai Construction Equipment Europe distributes its products through more than 140 dealers in more than 30 countries. End www.hyundai-ce.eu

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EUROFILE

EQUIPMENT

HG ups the stakes in electric dumpers

The first deliveries of HG Machines’ new E3000 - a 100% electric 3-tonne dumper with 12 hours runtime - are taking place this year

he Danish manufacturer said the E3000 is the world’s most energy-efficient 3-tonne dumper. With up to 12 hours of effective runtime on a single charge it can go twice the distance as comparable machines. It also has the world’s most efficient articulated drivetrain with four individual wheel motors, according to the company, based in Copenhagen. The integrated charger provides a full charge in about four hours, allowing the dumper to be charged directly on-site or via charging stations without additional equipment. The HG E3000 is also available with a high tip, making unloading into containers and trucks faster and more flexible. HG said that the E3000 is built on eight years of targeted experience with electric dumpers and a unique operational history with more than 500 electric dumpers in daily use on construction sites worldwide. It has a powerful battery pack: 29kWh lithium battery with a five-year warranty. An automatic battery heating system ensures stable performance in winter months. Power-management software ensures efficient performance. There is also flexible unloading thanks to a 180° swivel tip as standard, along with an optional high tip. “With the HG E3000, we once again prove that electric dumpers are not only better for people and the environment,” said Nikolaj Birkerod, chief executive of HG. “They are also more efficient, cheaper to operate and can run more than a full working day on a single charge. With 3-tonne dumpers, we are proving, as we already have with 2-tonne dumpers, that we can Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

ABOVE & BELOW Danish manufacturer HG Machines said the E3000 is the world’s most energyefficient 3-tonne dumper, with up to 12 hours of effective runtime on a single charge

deliver on both performance and reliability while enabling customers to save 15% per operating hour compared to a diesel dumper.” HG, a family-owned company, has been producing compact dumpers since 1971. In 2019, HG launched the first electric 1-tonne dumper, developed on the principle that an electric dumper should be able to work 12 hours on a single charge. Since 2023, HG has produced electric 2-tonne dumpers, which in practice deliver the same work performance and up to 12 hours of runtime as the new E3000. Both the 2- and 3-tonne models are equipped with HG’s drivetrain with four individual wheel motors and advanced software architecture. End www.hg-machines.com

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CONEXPO-CON/AGG 3-7 MARCH, 2026

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

TO ALL THE MOST IMPORTANT INTRODUCTIONS AND INNOVATIONS FROM THE SHOW CONEXPO-CON 3-7 MARCH, /AGG 2026

A RO UT E ON E

PU BL ISH ING

SP EC IAL PU BL

ICA TIO N | CO

NE XP O - CO N/

AG G 20 26

The 2026 CONEXPO-CON/AGG print and digital products published by Global Highways highlights the major equipment launches at the world’s biggest construction show in 2026 Our team of expert journalists will attend the show, write up and include live photography and video informing our readers what has been on display. It will include the lastest news, product launches and interviews from the major OEMs along with insight into the year ahead.

A supplemen

www.globalhighways.com

t to:

Inside this is

sue...

www.worldhigh

ways.com

www.

News | Interv iews | Earthm ovin recycling Qu | arry & aggregatesgpr& excavation | Road paving & & attachm oduction

www.carreteras-pa.com

EMERGENT

EQUIPMENT

PARTS PROGRAMME FOR GROVE

Saudi Crane Services (SCS) has completed a full-scale parts refresh for its entire fleet of 28 Grove cranes. This has allowed older machines in the fleet to benefit from major upgrades. With 100% OEM parts supplied through Manitowoc’s aftersales support team, the rejuvenated cranes are now ready for a new chapter of reliable, efficient operation across Saudi Arabia’s toughest job sites Based in Jeddah, SCS placed a major order covering dozens of components for each crane in its predominantly Grove rough-terrain fleet, along with its GMK4080 all-terrain crane. The fleet’s newest units are nine RT765E-2 cranes, manufactured in 2011–2012, while the oldest—an RT522—dates back to 1990. The lineup also includes eight RT760E cranes, four RT890E cranes, four RT880E cranes, and one RT9130E crane. Undertaking this major refurbishment programme aligns with the philosophy of SCS, maximising return on invested capital and extending asset life. “We typically operate our Grove cranes for around 15-20 years before considering resale or trade-in, depending on condition and workload,” explained Richard Gandar, general manager of Saudi Crane Services. “Because genuine spare parts remain readily available for all our Grove models, a full parts refresh made strong financial sense.” The extensive upgrade programme included a wide range of new components—hydraulic systems, control systems, structural elements, booms, air-conditioning units, and cab upgrades. Each crane took approximately five to ten weeks to complete, depending on the scope of work. “This initiative has significantly extended our cranes’ operational lifespan while improving lifting precision, reducing downtime, and enhancing fuel efficiency,” Gandar continued. Since its establishment in 2007, Saudi Crane Services has relied on Grove rough-terrain cranes for their Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

ABOVE: New parts ensure that older cranes in the SCS fleet now meet the latest standards

BELOW: With upgraded performance, the SCS crane fleet will offer safe and productive operation

durability and performance in the Kingdom’s harsh desert environment. SCS also benefits from dependable aftersales service and parts support from local Manitowoc dealer Kanoo Machinery. The two companies continue to strengthen their partnership through ongoing collaboration, including regular operator and maintenance training. “This project demonstrates how proper parts support and planned maintenance can extend equipment life far beyond expectations,” Gandar concluded. “Our Grove cranes are now ready to deliver many more years of safe, efficient lifting performance.” www.manitowoc.com

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CATERPILLAR’S NEW HAULER FOR EMERGING MARKETS A new haul truck is now coming to market from Caterpillar that is aimed specifically at emerging markets. This novel machine features a three-axle configuration and is designed to be rugged and durable

The Cat 707 wide-body truck features an integrated Cat powertrain that is intended to be rebuilt, reducing total cost of ownership, while it is designed to provide an ideal pass match with Cat large excavators and wheeled loaders. This is the first model in new product family that will broaden Caterpillar’s hauling portfolio The new Cat 707 is aimed at markets in regions with Tier 3 and equivalent emissions standards, including Africa, Middle East, Asia Pacific, South America, Southeast Asia and Eurasia. The truck features a fully integrated Cat powertrain, including a Cat C13 engine, Cat automatic transmission and proprietary Cat axles. With its 66tonne maximum payload, the versatile new widebody truck design offers the option of standard or heavy-duty configurations and the choice of 40m3 or 42m3 capacities to match the material and jobsite conditions. It can be configured with the 400kW Cat C13B engine to meet China Nonroad Stage IV emissions standards or the 358kW C13, which emits equivalent to US Tier 3 regulations. Both options include a standard engine brake set at a high rating. The truck’s six-speed automatic transmission can be equipped with an optional integrated hydraulic retarder. The 707 features proprietary Cat axles, integrated Cat powertrain controllers, and Cat wiring and electric harnesses. Three brake and retardation levels – integrated Cat engine brake, optional Cat hydraulic retarder,

ABOVE: Caterpillar’s new 707 truck is designed for emerging markets

Scan for further content relating to specific regions or visit our website

globalhighways.com

LEFT: The Cat 707 hauler is said to be rugged and durable and can also be rebuilt

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and parking and service brakes – provide superior downhill loaded control for enhanced safety and faster hauling cycles. The new 707 offers pass matches with Cat 986, 988 and 988 XE loaders and Cat 350, 374 and 395 excavators. The new wide-body truck’s left-side operator-seat placement and optional right-side instructor seat provide easier operation and comfort for the operator and trainer. The cab features sturdy, four-point mounting and protection is provided by a standard falling object protective structure (FOPS) and optional rollover protective structure (ROPS) for enhanced safety. An available reversing camera helps improve working safety. Automatic shifting with simple gearselection transmission controls helps to increase efficiency, and the hoist system offers fast raise and lower cycle times to unload material. The integrated Cat powertrain components are mounted to a durable, reinforced chassis. When coupled with flexible Cat Customer Value Agreements (CVAs), customers can achieve higher uptime during the new truck’s service life, while maintaining reliable mechanical performance and longevity through a second lifecycle. Grouped service points help customers spend less time and money on maintenance. The new 707 wide-body truck offers parts commonality with other Cat machines with common C13 engine, CX31RT transmission and a common cab. LED lights provide longer life and brighter illumination with less power consumption and are more resistant to vibration and water damage www.cat.com Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

EMERGENT

EQUIPMENT

ELECTRIC WHEELED LOADER FOR INDONESIA Volvo Construction Equipment has delivered a new electric wheeled loader to a customer in Indonesia. The firm says that this first L120 Electric deployment reflects growing customer readiness to embrace sustainable innovation while maintaining high standards of productivity and operational performance Volvo CE’s Indonesian dealer, PT Indotruck Utama (ITU), recently handed over the machine to PT Tegas Guna Mandiri, signalling the first deployment and operation of a Volvo CE electric wheeled loader in the Indonesian market. The firm says that the handover builds on Volvo CE’s commitment to driving sustainable construction in Indonesia. This follows earlier initiatives such as the country’s first L25 Electric trial and the launch of the ECR25 Electric compact excavator and the L25 Electric compact wheeled loader in 2023. Together, these milestones reflect Volvo CE’s long-term ambition to support customers in reducing emissions while maintaining high levels of productivity and operational performance. PT Tegas Guna Mandiri operates in different sectors, with a focus on port logistics and stockpile management in the Jambi area. The introduction of the L120 Electric aligns with the company’s focus on operational efficiency and its growing emphasis on environmentally responsible practices in demanding industrial applications.

"As Volvo CE continues to expand its electric machine portfolio in Indonesia, partnerships such as this will play a critical role in advancing low-emission solutions across key sectors"

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

BELOW: Volvo CE has delivered the first new electric wheeled loader to Indonesia

Erwin Budi, head of Market Indonesia & Timor Leste, Volvo Construction Equipment, said: “The delivery of the first L120 Electric in Indonesia is a significant step forward in our electrification roadmap for the market. It demonstrates our commitment to supporting Indonesian customers with solutions that reduce environmental impact while delivering the performance, reliability, and safety they expect from Volvo CE. This milestone also reflects the growing readiness of customers to adopt electric machines as part of their sustainability journey.” For ITU, the delivery underscores its role in enabling the adoption of advanced, low-emission technologies across Indonesia. Tjong Bie, CEO, PT Indotruck Utama, added: "This handover is not just about introducing a new machine, but about helping our customers transition towards more sustainable and efficient operations. We see this as the beginning of a broader shift in how the industry approaches productivity and sustainability. "More than a transfer of equipment, the handover represents a strategic collaboration between Volvo CE, ITU, and PT Tegas Guna Mandiri to accelerate innovation and raise operational standards. As Volvo CE continues to expand its electric machine portfolio in Indonesia, partnerships such as this will play a critical role in advancing low-emission solutions across key sectors." www.volvoce.com

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HOT QUARRYING IN INDIA In the heat of Rajasthan, where temperatures soar past 45°C and machinery is pushed to its limits, one quarry stands out for its productivity. A partnership between Maa Kripa Stone Crusher and Chicago Pneumatic’s rugged portable air compressors is playing a key role in this performance Chicago Pneumatic CPS 450-200 and CPS 550-200 portable air compressors are powering drilling and blasting operations in the tough terrain of Rajasthan, India. Since 2004, Maa Kripa has built a reputation for dependable quarry operations. Located on Nasirabad Road in Ajmer, their stone crushing and granite mining activities have supported the construction industry by extracting valuable materials from the Blue Stone Quarry and Granite Mines. Rajasthan’s arid landscape and rugged terrain pose significant challenges for quarrying. To meet these operational demands, Maa Kripa invested in three Chicago Pneumatic portable air compressors through the authorised dealer RK Pneumatics, two CPS 450200 and one CPS 550-200. This choice enabled the user to maintain high productivity in extreme heat while improving fuel efficiency by 12% in remote locations. "In our line of work, equipment downtime is costly. We needed equipment that could withstand extreme operating conditions while delivering consistent performance for our drilling and blasting operations. With Chicago Pneumatic, we’ve seen up to 20% higher drilling output per hour and energy savings of up to 24% compared to our previous model." — Pradeep Goel, owner, Maa Kripa The CPS 450-200 and CPS 550-200 provide a broad pressure range of 12–14 bar for quarrying, mining, and construction applications requiring high airflow and dependable performance. Their robust thermal management systems ensure consistent performance as observed during peak summer temperatures of 45–50°C in field tests.

"Our portable air compressors enable Maa Kripa to maintain high productivity and reliability in demanding quarry environments, while reducing average diesel consumption by up to 12%" — Jayesh Kashyap, business line manager, Chicago Pneumatic India. The relationship with RK Pneumatics has proven key in Maa Kripa's success. Operating in remote quarry locations often means limited access to technical support, making dealer reliability crucial for sustained operations. RK Pneumatics' commitment to providing comprehensive service support, even in challenging locations, ensures low downtime and high efficiency. This partnership extends beyond equipment supply to include preventive maintenance, technical support, and parts availability. This support enables Maa Kripa to focus on extraction operations while trusting that their compressed air systems will perform when needed most. With CPS 450-200 and CPS 550-200 compressors at the heart of its quarry operations, Maa Kripa is setting new standards in productivity and efficiency. In a region where environmental conditions are as demanding as the work itself, the company pushes the boundaries of performance. The combination of robust equipment, fuel efficiency, and comprehensive support has enabled an operational model that withstands the region's toughest conditions. www.compressors.cp.com

"With CPS 450-200 and CPS 550-200 compressors at the heart of its quarry operations, Maa Kripa is setting new standards in productivity and efficiency"

Compressors from Chicago Pneumatic are operating reliably in hot conditions in a quarry in India

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GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

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Bright Ideas. Smarter Tolling. IBTTA’s Technology Summit brings together toll operators and industry partners to explore the technologies shaping how roadway systems are designed, operated and secured. Experience What’s Next: Sessions on connected systems, automation, AI, cybersecurity & more Practical insights from pilots, deployments & lessons learned Tech Talks, networking, evening events & a 75+ exhibitor Exhibit Hall Tech Tour Preview: Inside Central Florida Expressway Authority’s award-winning Flex Lanes Program, Advanced ITS, dynamic lane management, and solar energy in action. Image Source: CFX

Summit hosts:

www.ibtta.org

ASPHALT PAVING

DIGITAL PAVING WITH VÖGELE

A 1km section of the B268 road in Zerf, Rhineland Palatinate, has been upgraded with the help of the digital Smart Pave technology from Vögele. This was the first project for which the lead contractor used the latest Smart Pave digital control system from Vögele

he 1km road section required extensive rehabilitation, with the paving of two new base layers, a binder course and the asphalt concrete surface layer. For the first time, the Lehnen Group used the Smart Pave digital paving control system with its Vögele SUPER 1800-5 X paver for paving widths of 6.5-9.5m. The integrated system automatically controls the paving width, position and direction of a road paver based on virtual references. The project in Zerf demonstrated the advantages of the new solution even before paving began. Using Smart Pave meant the surveying work was simpler, with less preparation work required. Using Smart Pave eliminates the need for time-consuming marking work and increases process reliability. The firm’s surveyor used a Field Rover survey pole to record the coordinates and positioning data of the area to be paved. This was used to generate a CAD model of the road on the basis of the data which was uploaded to the Planner in the John Deere Operations Center. After automatic error analysis, the data was transferred wirelessly and directly to the firm’s road paver via the John Deere Operations Center, the Wirtgen Group's central construction site management system. The paver was then guided along the specified route using only the virtual references, without any need

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

ABOVE: Smart Paving technology from the Wirtgen Group has been used for the first time on a road-upgrade project in Germany BELOW: Using the system has delivered quality benefits for the contractor

for the installation of additional aids. Two integrated John Deere StarFire satellite antennae on the canopy of the SUPER 1800-5 X determined the position of the machine, enabling precise control. A mobile RTK modem was also used to improve the positioning accuracy using a correction signal provided by a local base station. As the screed width was adjusted automatically, the operator could concentrate on the paving process. The precise control of the paver

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ASPHALT PAVING

prevents paving of excess widths, thereby saving material and cutting costs. As there was no need to check the edges and the screed width from the roadside, Smart Pave also improved the safety of the paving crew, a useful feature when working close to live traffic. The first use of the new solution on a construction site impressed the entire team from the Lehnen Group. The firm said that the Smart Pave technology allowed it to carry out preparatory work on a computer in digital form, independent of weather conditions, allowing greater versatility on the construction site. The Smart Pave system offers several advantages

according to the Wirtgen Group, including the elimination of marking-out tasks for surveyors. This technology also allows the paver operator to concentrate on the quality of the paving process while boosting safety for the entire paving crew, particularly for night working or with jobs alongside live traffic. In addition, the system ensures that the machine steers precisely and that screed width is optimised, reducing materials usage. Overall, the system is said to deliver better paving accuracy and process safety. The package is simple to use because all the hardware components are integrated into the road paver. End www.wirtgen-group.com

Cheddar Gorge resurfacing Heidelberg Materials has completed road-resurfacing work in the UK’s scenic Cheddar Gorge. The firm has resurfaced a 3.2km stretch of road, removing and recycling the worn surface and producing and laying the new asphalt under challenging conditions including steep gradients, narrow passes and nighttime working. The project forms part of Heidelberg Materials’ term maintenance contract with Somerset Council. Cheddar Gorge is the deepest natural canyon in England and the B3135 improvement scheme was carried out at night to minimise disruption at the popular tourist attraction. Parts of the programme required working through narrow sections of road with high rock faces as well as steep gradients up to 16%. Around 1,300tonnes of worn-out road surface were removed and recycled,

where possible, back into the new asphalt, which was produced at the company’s Whatley quarry in the county. The team reduced the carbon emissions associated with the transportation of materials by using the same lorries to take the planings to the asphalt plant and return to site with the new asphalt when feasible. More than 2,500tonnes of Heidelberg Materials’ Tufflex asphalt were used to resurface the 3.2km stretch of road. Tufflex provides a durable surface with high deformation resistance, minimising the impact of wheel rutting which can be an issue under heavy breaking. The product includes a polymer-modified binder, providing flexibility to boost fatigue resistance, and has a low void content, protecting the surface from water ingress.

www.heidelbergmaterials.co.uk

The repaving work at Cheddar Gorge included the reuse of material that had been planed off previously

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

ASPHALT PAVING

Sophisticated paving with Trimble Trimble is offering sophisticated solutions for optimising asphalt paving and compaction tasks, says Kevin Garcia, general manager - Civil Specialty Solutions at Trimble. The firm is now offering automated steering with the latest generation Vögele pavers and now the new SD paver from Dynapac. Garcia said that auto steering for another paver manufacturer is in beta testing at the moment. The new paver technology follows on from the firm’s development of autosteering solutions for compaction rollers. The paver system is more sophisticated and Garcia explained: “The system handles the screed height, elevation, extension and the machine’s steering.” And he added: “There will be more opportunities for automated pavers in the future.” Garcia said that using machine controls to take over the steering function for a paver can help boost quality while reducing the workload for the operator. This technology leaves the operator free to focus on the asphalt itself, starting with the truck scheduling, the flow from the hopper,

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

"Steering a paver is incredibly hard. Taking away this task from the operator is good" Kevin Garcia General manager - Civil Specialty Solutions at Trimble

folding in the hopper wings as required and the feed across the screed to ensure it is both continuous and even. The operator can make sure that the paving rate is optimised so that the compactors can keep up. He said: “…so as not to pave too fast.” Garcia said: “Steering a paver is incredibly hard. Taking away this task from the operator is good,” adding that even a slight steering variation can make a substantial change to what is happening at the screed, meaning that the screed operator may have to adjust the width very quickly to maintain a constant edge. This becomes more complex still when the machine is paving a corner, with the operator also having to ensure that the material flow is even and continuous so that the outside of the screed receives more asphalt to account for the greater distance. “There’s a reason they want the steering control on automatic,” he explained. This means that the operator can pay much closer attention to material flow through the screed which has a significant benefit for mat quality.

www.trimble.com

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ASPHALT PAVING

SENSITIVE ROAD REPAIRS US firm VSS is offering pavement-preservation technology that has benefited from a series of steady improvements over the years. The company builds its machines at a facility in California, offering a product range to suit different requirements and applications

oug Hogue is vice president and general manager at VSS Macropaver. He explained that the company has been working continuously on developing its surfacing systems, making incremental upgrades in many cases. The firm’s latest continuous machine is fitted with a conveyor and benefits from a large material capacity which boosts efficiency. According to Hogue, the design of the machine offers some major benefits for users. He said: “You have a lot less seams in the road.” The machine features a hydrostatic drive but is mounted on a truck chassis. For use in the US, this is limited to a speed of 40km/h (25mph) on the road but can be driven at 60km/h in Canada. The drive system offers a key benefit over competing models too, which only allow speeds up to 26km/h (16mph). The machine also has an exhaust brake, unlike its competitors, which helps boost operating safety. Two hydrostatic motors are mounted on standard truck differentials and Hogue said: “We’ve a few patents on the drive on the machine.” The computer system ensures that the material quantities remain constant, no matter the machine speed. The computer guarantees that all the mixes are optimised with the necessary mix ratio. “All materials are linked through the computer control system. You only have to speed it up or slow it down,” said Hogue. This delivers a significant advantage according to Hogue, considerably simplifying the workload for the operator. This system ensures that surfacing quality remains continuous and constant. “Now the operator can focus on what goes on the road,” he added.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

The machine has dual driving stations at the front, while the firm can mount a cab, as is required for the Canadian market. Using the equipment does offer considerable advantages for road life and Hogue said that this does hold up to the extra loads imposed by heavy traffic. Trucks and oxidation cause road wear but pavement preservation extends the road-surface life while ensuring skid resistance is optimised, said Hogue. Small investments in road maintenance can extend the life of the road indefinitely according to Hogue. He added: “If you keep doing this, the asphalt road has an indefinite life.” Hogue continued, saying that the National Asphalt Paving Association (NAPA) is very interested in pavement maintenance these days. And VSS says that there is a growing awareness of the need for a stable and sustainable system for road maintenance, with techniques such as microsurfacing taking a stronger role. This offers a cost-effective means of preserving, developing and prolonging the life of roads without the need for costly reconstruction. This road-repair solution can meet strict environmental requirements and is less invasive than resurfacing because it requires fewer machines. VSS says that its pavement-preservation methods can also provide a more sustainable way to extend road life, while causing less traffic disruption and requiring the use of fewer construction materials than in conventional repaving work. End www.slurry.com

ABOVE VSS says that its latest pavement-preservation technology offers key benefits for efficient road repairs

There will be a full report on the use of VSS equipment at a fascinating project site in the US in Global Highways Vol 3, 2026. Look forward to this further information on the equipment.

Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

ASPHALT PLANTS

ASPHALT-PLANT UPGRADE

An asphalt-producing facility in Gignac-la-Nerthe, France, is now benefiting from the commissioning of a new plant from Ermont. This replaces an earlier-generation plant from a competitor, delivering advances in technology and reductions in energy consumption and emissions

he new TSX28 INCITY plant has been supplied by FAYAT Group firm Ermont to producer Provence Enrobés. This next-generation asphalt plant is said to offer the benefits of performance, recycling and environmental excellence. This installation marks a major step in the modernisation of asphalt-production facilities for Provence Enrobés, with a rebuilt site that is more efficient and fully committed to environmental transition. After eight months of work and a total investment of more than €9 million, Provence Enrobés has renewed its trust in Ermont by selecting a solution designed to meet the challenges of recycling, energy efficiency and territorial integration. At Gignac-la-Nerthe the challenge was to replace a 48m-high batch plant commissioned in 1996 with a next-generation plant - more compact, capable of producing more, recycling more, and significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Ermont says that its TSX28 INCITY is designed for urban sites requiring compactness, reduced disturbance, energy efficiency and high recycling performance. Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

ABOVE: The new Ermont plant for Provence Enrobés can use more RAP in the feed, while also using less power BELOW: The TSX28 INCITY plant is designed for use in urban sites

The plant used previously at the site was a batching type, with a maximum output of around 400tonnes/ hour and an estimated annual output of around 200,000tonnes. The new Ermont continuous plant offers a similar throughput at a maximum of up to 400tonnes/hour and a similar yearly output. However, the new plant offers a big advantage in that it can handle up to 70% of RAP in the mix, compared with just 40% for the previous plant. The new Ermont plant also features an increased storage capacity of 750tonnes, compared with 400tonnes for the plant that was replaced. Because it features new control technology, the new plant can also switch more easily between different mixes and is able to produce different asphalt types including warm asphalt, asphalt with very high recycled content, coloured asphalt and light asphalt with bio-binder. The new plant meets the latest environmental integration standard for reduced CO2 emissions and lower energy consumption as well as improved landscape integration. The TSX28 INCITY plant meets the growing need for decarbonisation and recycling in road infrastructure according to Ermont. The innovative single-drum design with a twinshaft continuous mixer allows the TSX28 INCITY the maximum use of local construction materials while ensuring complete binder remobilisation, essential for durable high-recycled content asphalt. The plant can produce asphalt at lower temperatures, reducing energy use, and offers solutions such as light asphalt with bio-binder, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. It has been designed to minimise environmental impact (lower CO2 emissions, reduced energy use, better landscape integration) and to improve local acceptance of industrial projects. With an improved production rate for high-recycledcontent asphalt, the plant ensures a steady supply for large projects, while maintaining flexibility for local works and specific territorial needs. The integrated DuoTherm process combines heat exchanges between gases and aggregates at moderate temperatures, preserving the binder and improving the quality of recycled asphalt. This system ensures optimal performance while reducing the environmental impact of the installation. The plant also includes an ICPE-compliant recycling platform capable of processing up to 100,000tonnes/ year of inert materials (milled asphalt, aggregates and asphalt crusts). End www.ermont.fayat.com GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 3-7 MARCH, 2026

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE

TO ALL THE MOST IMPORTANT INTRODUCTIONS AND INNOVATIONS FROM THE SHOW CONEXPO-CON 3-7 MARCH, /AGG 2026

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BITUMEN TECHNOLOGY

ON THE RISE: WARM MIX ASPHALT IN EUROPE This issue we look at the rise of warm mix in Europe, how AI could aid mix design with RAP and a case study in long-term rejuvenation. By Kristina Smith

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

BELOW: Percentage of total production done at warm mix asphalt temperature in countries with complete data series available for the period 2013 – 2024

16% 14% % of total asphalt production

lthough warm mix asphalt (WMA) has been around for 25 years, its use in Europe has only grown significantly in recent years, according to the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA). Its latest figures, published in February 2026, show that the proportion of warm mix used in Europe has risen from around 2.5% in 2013 to 14.6% in 2024 with a steep increase since 2018. EAPA is on a mission to accelerate the use of WMA. Having published two guides on the subject in 2024, EAPA’s latest venture was a webinar. Held on 12 November 2025, with over 800 people registered to attend, the webinar provided details and insight on practice and progress in eight European countries. What the webinar demonstrated is that there is huge variation in how and why warm mix is deployed in different European countries. The proportion of WMA varies, the technologies deployed and even the way that warm mix is defined. Chaired by EAPA technical director Breixo Gomez, attendees of the webinar heard from Knut Johannesen, Vinci Construction’s head of research and development in Germany; Thessa Luijendiik, sustainable infrastructure coordinator for the province of South Holland in the Netherlands; Geir Lange, head of trade and market for Viedekke’s asphalt division in Norway; and Malcolm Simms, director of MPA Asphalt at the Mineral Products Association in the UK. Gomez then shared information on France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Czech Republic and Croatia. The German asphalt industry perhaps faces the steepest learning curve. It is being asked to go from virtually zero to 100% in a few years. Johannesen explained that a change in the classification of bitumen in terms of its carcinogenic risk triggered new exposure limits to be set which just could not be met using hot mix. The new exposure limits were published in 2019 with the industry expected to switch by the end of 2026. The Netherlands has worked with WMA for over 25 years but in 2022, the Dutch asphalt industry announced it would abandon hot mix from 2025. The move was motivated by the will to reduce carbon emissions and increase circularity.

The Netherlands has not hit 100% WMA yet due to various barriers, Luijendiik explained: not every asphalt plant is ready, there is a huge range of asphalts used in the Netherlands so lots of testing is needed to find equivalent WMAs; procurement documents have not all been updated; and local authorities tend to be cautious about change. Norway is often cited as one of the most advanced countries in terms of WMA experience, having had two period when its use increased: first in 1995 when WAM-Foam technology was introduced and then in 2012 when Statens Vegvesen, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration introduced a bonus of €2.5/ tonne for mixes where the temperature was more than 25 degrees C less than the hot mix equivalent. Around 30% of Norway’s asphalt produced is now WMA. Limitations are that foam technologies are not used between November and April; smaller companies who hand lay prefer hot mix; and there have been some issues transporting warm mix by ship which is done for 20% of production in Norway, said Viedekke, Climate change is the driver for the UK’s move to WMA with pressure coming from the national government down. National Highways has led the transition to WMA, accelerating its adoption from August 2021 with local authorities following, albeit at a slower pace. Simms reported that the proportion of WMA used in the UK has risen from around 4.5% in 2021 to an estimated 30% by 2023. While 80% of local highways authorities allow for WMA in their specifications, uptake is relatively low, perhaps because there isn’t a fully robust way of demonstrating carbon savings, suggested Simms. Motivated by carbon reduction and high energy costs, France is also well advanced with WMA, using foaming and additive technologies and a two-stage process called sequential mixing. Overall, around 23percent of France’s production is WMA, although some regions use far more than the national average, reported Gomez. Other countries are increasing their use. Irish local road authorities are looking for between 20 and

12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 2013

2017

2021 YEAR

2025 Source: eapa.org

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

BITUMEN TECHNOLOGY

25percent of the asphalt laid on their roads to be WMA and the Department of Transport is setting a target of 50% WMA by 2026. In Italy a new regulation published in December 2024 mandates the use of WMA near residential areas with additives being the most widely used technology. Around 10percent of Croatia’s production is WMA, although there are no requirements from clients to use it. In Spain, some WMA is used but there is no upward trend, said Gomez. The Czech Republic is at the beginning of its warm mix journey, having recently laid four initial test sections. While some countries are working with EAPA’s definition of warm mix – produced at 20 degrees K or

C below hot mix – others have their own approach. For instance, Croatia defines WMA as a mix between 30 and 40 degrees below the hot mix equivalent; Germany has set different temperature ranges for different types of asphalt and in the Netherlands WMA is made between 100 and 140°C. Definitions, technologies, testing procedures and other issues will all be topics of discussion at an EAPA workshop on WMA which will be held on 11 and 12 June 2026 in Vienna. This will be immediately before the Eurasphalt & Eurobitume congress, run jointly by EAPA and EUrobitume, every four years. End www.eapa.org https://www.eeevent2026.org/

RAP: can AI optimise mix design? In the US, highways authorities are using balanced mix design (BMD) to create mixes containing high proportions of recycled asphalt planings (RAP). Rather than using a set recipe, BMD puts proposed mixes through a series of tests aimed to simulate conditions on the road to measure their resistance to rutting, cracking and distress. Although BMD is better for high-RAP content mixes than standard mix design techniques, there are still challenges. Mix designs that performed well in the lab, may not do so on the road due to a host of variables such as the properties of the aggregate in the RAP, moisture content and how the asphalt plant has been calibrated. Additionally, BMD can be timeconsuming and costly since several mixes

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

may need to be put through their paces. With so many factors to take into consideration, researchers from Virginia Tech and Virginia DOT thought this could be an ideal application for artificial intelligence (AI). Led by Dr Jhony Habbouche, now a regional engineer at the Asphalt Institute, a research team set out to investigate whether large language models (LLMs) could be trained to sift through the huge amounts of data involved to predict how different mixes would perform without having to test them all in the lab. The researchers used data from 648 specimens, measuring 26 different mixture characteristics. Of the LLMs tested, the researchers found that Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB),

and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models performed the best, particularly in predicting the results of tests for ravelling and cracking. They were less good when it came to predicting a rutting test. The LLMs were also asked to work out what the most important characteristics were in predicting the outcomes of the three BMD tests chosen for the study. It did this with the characteristics varying for each test. The research demonstrated how AI could aid BMD in the future, with some more development work and training of the LLMs. Ultimately, the goal would be to use AI both to improve the mix design process and to help monitor production too, spotting when important parameters were about to go out of tolerance.

Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

Innovation and Reliability

Asphalt Plants & Aggregate Production Technologies

BITUMEN TECHNOLOGY

RAP and rejuvenators: Czech case study eight years on In 2025 Iterchimica revisited a stretch of road laid in 2017 to see how the asphalt mix – which contained 50% recycled asphalt and the company’s plant-based rejuvenator, Iterlene ACF 2000 Green – had performed. The results were good: “According to condition monitoring by pavement experts in 2025, the laid pavement was technically in good condition, without thermal cracking or permanent deformation, even with the passage of heavy agricultural vehicles,” says Iterchimica. The local access road where the 50% RAP mix was laid is in Siřem, Blšany, near Road 2218 in the Czech Republic. The mix was an AC 11 mm mixture placed as a surface course with PEN 50/70 paving bitumen. The penetration value of the bitumen from the RAP was 25mm and it had a softening point of 60 °C. The Iterlene ACF 2000 Green rejuvenating agent was used at a dose of 4% by weight of the aged binder. For mixes containing higher proportions of recycled asphalt planings (RAP), rejuvenating agents are needed to restore some of the properties of the aged binder in the RAP. The binder in RAP is more brittle than virgin bitumen which can lead to early cracking and failure of a pavement without rejuvenation. However, rejuvenating agents do not all act in the same way.

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

BELOW: Laid in 2017, with a mix containing 50% RAP and Iterchimica rejuvenator, this road in the Czech Republic is in good condition

According to EN 12597:2024 – Bitumens and bituminous binders, rejuvenating agents can be classed as flux oils or rejuvenators. Whereas both flux oils and rejuvenators modify the physical properties of aged bitumen, rejuvenators also alter the chemical composition of the bitumen so that the effect is long term – rather than just long enough to lay and compact the road. Iterchimica argues that rejuvenators, rather than oils, are needed for high-RAP content mixes to ensure the sort of durability achieved for the road in the Czech Republic.

www.iterchimica.it

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BRIDGES

THE BEST FOR BEISSNER

Tenfold boost for Beissner: the German contractor has strengthened demolition capabilities with Epiroc HB 4100 hydraulic breakers

Beissner, a contractor based in Niemetal/ Varlosen, Germany, has expanded its heavy-duty demolition capabilities with a recent order for 10 Epiroc HB 4100 hydraulic breakers. The breakers were ordered through F Beissner’s long-standing partner, US Abbruchtechnik, located in Oberhausen. Weighing over four tonnes each, the attachments are being deployed on 40-tonne-class crawler excavators. Equipped with modern OilQuick adapter plates, the breakers allow for fast and safe tool changes directly on site, an essential advantage in demanding demolition environments. The latest generation of these hydraulic breakers is equipped with the HATCON telematics system, providing real-time data on operating hours, location and service intervals. This enhances planning reliability, transparency and operational efficiency. The decision to invest in the Epiroc HB 4100 breakers was based on long-term experience and trust. “These breakers deliver consistently high performance, are robust and remain reliable even under the toughest conditions, particularly in horizontal applications or dusty environments,” said Jens Uhlendorf, managing director of F Beissner. The breakers have been operating on a broad Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

spectrum of projects, such as bridge demolition with tight timeframes. One such example is the recent dismantling of the Betonkrebs Bridge on the A39 motorway crossing the Mittelland Canal, near Wolfsburg, in early June. Four of the new breakers were already in use, as well as recycling operations and quarry applications in the surrounding region. On that specific site, around 2,600 tonnes of concrete and steel were dismantled and processed over a single weekend. The operation took place under difficult conditions on a pontoon platform and was executed in multiple shifts. Beissner has relied for years on close cooperation with US Abbruchtechnik in Oberhausen, from delivery and commissioning of new equipment to regular maintenance and the rental of temporary units when needed. This partnership ensures that technology and service go hand in hand to provide a strong foundation for long-term success in the highly demanding demolition sector. Epiroc Group is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has around 19,000 employees supporting and collaborating with customers in around 150 countries. Epiroc’s attachments division develops, manufactures and markets excavator attachments, ground-engaging tools and hydraulic handheld tools. The products are used in construction, infrastructure, deconstruction, recycling, and mining. The division also provides related services and has production facilities on four continents. End www.epiroc.com

"These breakers deliver consistently high performance, are robust and remain reliable even under the toughest conditions, particularly in horizontal applications or dusty environments" Jens Uhlendorf Managing director of F Beissner

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

BRIDGES

MABEY LEADS THE WAY IN LEEDS Mabey Hire’s monitoring technology proved vital throughout replacement of the bridge bearings on the New York Road Flyover in Leeds city centre. The insight gained fed into the new bearing design and assisted with the safe delivery of the jacking operation, lifting the bridge deck by a precise 2mm

he Marsh Lane Bearing Replacement Scheme is a critical infrastructure project in the northern English city of Leeds. Commissioned by Leeds City Council, it involved replacing 27 bridge bearings on the ageing 1970s New York Road Flyover, a vital arterial route for the city used by thousands of people every day. Following on from similar works to the adjacent Regent Street Flyover, the wider scheme is integral for the long-term management and maintenance of the city’s transport networks. Balfour Beatty was appointed by the city to deliver the works. “Due to the age of the bridge, we didn’t have any data or insight into its structural behaviour or regular levels of movement, whether caused by traffic loads, wind forces or thermal expansion,” explained Daniel Barnes, project manager at Balfour Beatty. “As such, a structural monitoring solution was imperative as a means of gathering this intelligence, data which was then fed into the new bearing designs completed by Ekspan. “It was here that we worked with Mabey Hire, whose in-house team supplied and installed a range of structural monitoring sensors to monitor the loads and longitudinal movement, with the sensors left in situ for two months to gather the valuable information needed to inform the bearing design.” The scale of the project required the bridge deck to be lifted by a maximum of 2mm in order to facilitate access to the bearings beneath. With 27 bearings in total, the works were carried out in eight

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

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separate phases, subject to traffic management, whereby a section of the bridge deck was jacked up and temporarily supported, while the bearings were replaced. Working closely with Balfour Beatty, Mabey Hire designed, supplied and installed a bespoke temporary propping and jacking scheme to facilitate the works. The system featured Maybe’s Mat 125, Mass 25 and Mass 50 props. The supplier’s Hymat jacks were also supplied, installed in clusters of four to deliver the required load capacity. Project teams faced numerous challenges, including increased bearing loads beyond those considered in the original design, concentrated loads during jacking operations, and high lateral forces. As well as taking 300 tonnes vertically, the propping scheme also had to satisfy transverse loads of 35 tonnes. To satisfy this, Mabey Hire fabricated a bespoke cradle arrangement around the bridge columns. There were also logistical constraints and obstacles to overcome. With a major junction under the flyover and heavy flow of traffic on the city ring road, teams had to consider access for the heavy-plant equipment and machinery. Keeping traffic running was a high priority, with the need to minimise disruption to the public. As such, Mabey Hire had to carefully design the propping scheme to take up minimal space and suit the line of the road, ensuring that it was able to be kept open to traffic. Additional structural monitoring sensors were also fitted to monitor the movement of the bridge Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

BRIDGES

throughout the jacking. “To avoid damage to the deck expansion joints, it was imperative that we did not exceed the 2mm tolerances during the jacking operations,” said Barnes. “What’s more, to minimise disruption to the public, the bridge remained open during the entire work programme, with the exception of the delicate and highly precise jacking and de-jacking operations. As such, it was essential that we had constant insight into the bridge’s structural condition. “To assist with this, Mabey Hire installed specialist monitoring equipment that could measure to within 1/100th of a millimetre, just about as precise as civil engineering can get,” said Barnes. Mabey Hire also supplied wireless sensors and loggers which could monitor vertical movement during the works. Magnetised to the steel beams, close to the individual bearings, the sensors could be easily removed and relocated to the next group of bearings. Barnes said that the Marsh Lane Scheme is part of a wider contract that they have been working on since 2020. With many of the highway bridges, tunnels and retaining walls in this area built in the 1960s and 1970s, a lot of them are reaching the age where significant maintenance work is required. “We’d worked with Mabey Hire on the similar Regent Street Flyover project, which was completed in 2020-22 and so we knew they would be up to the task. Perhaps the biggest value of working with Mabey Hire is its one-stop-shop service and comprehensive offering. You benefit from their engineering knowledge, hire

Hymat jacks The aluminium lightweight, singleacting hydraulic Hymat jacks can be used on their own or with the Mat 125 and Mass 50 propping systems. They are easy to use and can be supplied with a bolt-on flat base and head plate with either a fixed or spherical head which allows a 5º rotation. Unlike conventional screw ram cylinders, the Hymat jack has an externally threaded cylinder barrel onto which a locking collar is attached. The outer collar engages with special head plates or spherical heads to provide a mechanical load path when the hydraulic pressure is released. In this way the ram is totally isolated, removing adverse effects of lateral loading. With more than 60 years’ experience in temporary works,

Mabey Hire offers a wide range of solutions, including propping, jacking, groundworks and formwork systems.

www.mabeyhire.co.uk

of specialist equipment and their dedicated in-house installation team. Having this guidance and expertise available in-house is a big attraction. You can trust in their honesty and certainty of delivery.” End

Bridge Dumanja Jaruga | Janjina, Croatia

All shapes, all scales. From cantilever to cable-stayed bridges, Doka delivers seamless expertise in bridge construction — ensuring safe progress and turning complex ideas into lasting connections across the globe.

Doka GmbH | info@doka.com | www.doka.com

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

ENGINES & COMPONENTS

POWERFUL AND RELIABLE Volvo Penta claims high power and reliable operation are key features of its latest G17 natural gas engine for power generation

he G17 natural gas engine is a counterpart to Volvo Penta’s proven D17 genset engine. This new variant offers fuel flexibility, scalable performance, and a pathway towards a decarbonised energy future. Built on the same platform as the powerful D17 engine, the G17 is a 17litre, six-cylinder, sparkignited model that operates on both pipeline-quality, conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas. The design allows operators to connect directly to existing gas infrastructure, simplifying installation and eliminating the need for additional fuel-conditioning systems. Engineered to deliver approximately 450kWe at 1800rpm, the G17 offers high power output from a compact footprint. With a smaller enclosure, customers have the capability to reduce installation space and housing-material costs, while optimised load acceptance and fast power delivery ensure dependable performance during demand spikes or grid transitions. The G17 is designed for reduced emissions, NOx and particulate matter. Advanced combustion controls, low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), highefficiency three-way catalyst and compliance with US EPA stationary power application standards make it an

ABOVE: Volvo Penta’s new G17 gas engine is said to offer efficient combustion, low emissions and high reliability

option for companies with strong ESG commitments or strict air-quality zones. The engine’s compact, stackable platform is suited for space-contained environments. The natural gas engine can also be integrated into broader energy strategies that combine internal combustion engines with renewable fuels and battery systems for energy storage. This modular, scalable architecture enables operators to build flexible power systems that can evolve with demand. The potential for lower fuel costs, compared with diesel, and reduced noise levels further boosts compatibility. Built on Volvo Group’s proven technology, the G17 benefits from platforms trusted in demanding heavyduty applications. With a footprint and cooling system equivalent to the D16 and D17, the engine simplifies installation and retrofit opportunities and is delivered as an integrated OEM solution. End www.volvopenta.com

New inverters Turntide Technologies is expanding its range of Gen 6 Inverters which are said to offer performance, flexibility and sustainability in a compact form. In addition, the company is expanding its Turntide Turnkey Solutions partners, adding EVR Motors, which will help boost the shift to electrification with fully integrated, end-to-end solutions for OEMs. Turntide Gen 6 inverters deliver high power density and reliable, high-voltage performance ranging from 48V, 450A up to 80V, 700A in one of the smallest form factors on the market. The power and form factor of these inverters are said to allow a motor to operate efficiently across a wide range of voltages and currents, minimising energy loss, optimising vehicle and machine performance, and extending battery range. The unmatched power density

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

and compact size make it ideal for many e-mobility and industrial applications and any low-voltage electrification needs. EVR Motors, a leading designer of advanced electric motors, is the newest Turntide Turnkey Solutions partner, helping to deliver integrated and seamless electrification solutions to OEMs worldwide. EVR Motors’ patented TS-RFPM motor technology enables

smaller, lighter, lower-cost motors, tailored to user requirements. The company’s comprehensive line-up of motors, from 6-150kW, complements Turntide’s nextgeneration inverters, enabling customers to take advantage of the power density and smaller footprint, maximising flexibility across diverse applications.

www.turntide.com

Turntide says that its latest inverters offer a compact power solution

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ENGINES & COMPONENTS

FPT anniversary FPT has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its engine facility in Brazil. The Sete Lagoas plant, in Minas Gerais, has produced 725,000 engines since it opened in late 2000. The factory manufactures engines for the on-road, off-road and power generation segments, and is home to the production of engines from the F1, NEF Series and S8000 lines which power commercial vehicles and construction machines, as well as G-Drives for power generation. The firm says that the facility stands out for its adoption of advanced manufacturing methodologies, combining quality, safety and continuous improvement. Aligned with the brand’s decarbonisation strategy in Latin America, it also leads the development of biofuel technologies such as ethanol, natural gas, and biomethane. “Sete Lagoas is the heart of FPT in Latin America. Every achievement along the way fills us with pride as they celebrate the talent and commitment of the people who, for 25 years, have driven efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in our operations,” said Carlos Tavares, president of FPT for Latin America.

The plant, which employs 250 people, covers a total area of 68,372 m2, housing stateof-the-art facilities and production lines. Since its inauguration, the plant has been in continuous evolution: from its beginnings through to production of next-generation engines, every stage has been marked by innovation. A testament to this innovation is the plant’s ability to power leading customers across the region, including Iveco, New Holland, Case IH, CASE Construction Equipment, Landini, Himoinsa, Generac, PowGen and Pramac, consolidating its role as a key driver of performance and reliability in multiple industries.

www.fptindustrial.com

FPT’s Brazilian engine factory has held its 25th anniversary

NORTH AMERICAN EDITION

Digital editions and eNewsletters will now include dedicated North American content in addition to all of the Global Highways regular content Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

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ENGINES & COMPONENTS

ZF production in India The ZF Group is extending the local production of transmissions and axles at its facility in India, located in Coimbatore. The state-of-the-art plant was inaugurated in June 2025 and is spread over an area of 10,000m2. The new off-highway plant aligns with ZF's objective of local manufacturing excellence while also catering to the OEM’s global demands. This facility is a critical component of ZF Group’s strategy for growth and market penetration in India. ZF Group has invested €20 million in this plant over the year, to strengthen technologies, products and solutions for the evolving construction equipment sector. ZF’s ERGOPOWER powershift transmissions are engineered for productivity and efficiency in wheeled loaders. Standard 4-speed units and optional efficiency packages – including five-speed and DirectDrive – deliver up to 15% fuel savings and up to 40% productivity gains. They ensure smooth shifting with minimal

A LONG WAY

TOGETHER

tractive-effort disruption, increasing driver comfort and lowering lifecycle costs. Complementing ERGOPOWER, ZF’s MULTITRAC rigid axles are built for heavyduty loader applications. These axles feature compact design, reduced weight and wet multi-disc brakes that minimize braking losses while boosting efficiency. Durable and service-friendly, they offer ground clearance and operate reliably under extreme conditions. Backhoe loaders benefit from ZF’s combined ERGOPOWER & MULTITRAC systems. The powershift transmission ensures smooth operation across diverse digging and loading cycles, supporting high torque demands and continuous shifting. Meanwhile, MULTITRAC axles provide robust performance and long component life when excavating and back-filling. ZF’s ECOMIX I hydrostatic drum drives deliver proven reliability and efficiency for mixer trucks. These compact and rugged gears provide high power density, easy installation, low maintenance and long service life even under demanding conditions. End www.zf.com

WHEREVER YOU ARE, BKT IS WITH YOU No matter how challenging your needs, BKT is with you offering a wide range of OTR tyres specifically designed for the toughest operating conditions: from mining to construction sites. Sturdy and impact resistant, reliable and safe, able to combine comfort and high performance. BKT is with you, even when work gets tough.

Discover the BKT Range

For info: europe@bkt-tires.com

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

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EARTHMOVING

PERFECTION IN PETERLEE: CAT NEXT GENERATION ARTICULATED TRUCKS

Safety and productivity are the hallmarks of Caterpillar’s articulated trucks. These take a major leap forward when this year, Cat’s Next Generation Smart Articulated Trucks start rolling off the production line near Peterlee, England. David Arminas visited the factory and got a peek at a pre-production 730 model running through its paces in the company’s proving-ground quarry

t Caterpillar’s global articulated truck factory, close to the northern English town of Peterlee, sits an early example of an ADT - articulated dump truck. But this was made by another manufacturer, British mechanical engineer David John Bowes Brown. He created the concept and started his own company in 1972. Fast-forward to 1984 and DJB Engineering was renamed Artix after 1986 when Caterpillar - seeing a good product with a good future - bought the design rights; all units then had the Cat logo. The company was still owned by the Brown family until Caterpillar purchased the complete business in 1996. As homage to the ADT idea, one of DJB’s trucks, a D35 from the 1980s, was found, cleaned up and now sits proudly atop a raised mound, overlooking the entrance to Caterpillar’s sprawling 24-hectare manufacturing site. Around 1,500 employees work in the site’s nine buildings where manufacturing is done from the bottom up, from laser-cutting of steel plate to the welding of chassis, from engine and cab installation Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

to final painting and livery applications. The trucks - with the help of around 200 lower tier suppliers that occupy two of the site’s nine buildings - are 100% Caterpillar. On site, apart from manufacturing, are also Caterpillar’s complete R&D outfit, design engineers and marketing departments. The site also includes a test course. For the first time after being fired up just off the production line, nearly finished trucks are sent out for their post-production checkout to make sure the engine, electronics and hydraulics are operating properly. The machines then come back inside for the application of finishing kits, completed according to the customer’s order. Off site, about a half-hour drive away and in a former quarry, is Caterpillar’s Articulated Truck Proving Ground. Pre-production units, prototypes, new models and competitors’ vehicles are put through their paces - loading, unloading and running up and down varying grades. The company’s last celebrated milestone since the site’s first trucks rolled off the DJB production line

ABOVE Manufacturing is from the bottom up, from lasercutting of steel plate to the welding of chassis, from engine and cab installation to final painting and livery applications

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

EARTHMOVING

was at 65,000 units and by this spring, Caterpillar will be celebrating its 70,000th machine - likely one of the latest “Next Generation Smart Articulated Trucks” with built-in automatic features, specifically for the 725, 730, 730 EJ and 735 models. Upgraded interiors put control at an operator’s fingertips. All functions are accessible through a sleek touchscreen or a smooth, responsive keypad. For added convenience, the touchscreen can be effortlessly navigated using the integrated jog dial. New push-to-start with operator ID stores up to 50 operator IDs to quickly get to work and safeguard against unauthorised use. With the introduction of the Cat C13B engine on the 725, the improved power-to-weight ratio means it is up to 14% more efficient on the Tier 4 Final (and equivalent) machines compared to the previous 725. The Cat C13 has power ratings from 257-316kW and is designed to meet global emission standards, including EPA Tier 4 Final in the US, EU Stage V, Japan 2014 and Korea Stage V. The engine is compact and lightweight with no need for exhaust gas recirculation - available in configurations suitable for all regions worldwide.

Safety is paramount The Cat 725, 730 and 735 models feature a redesigned dump body that offers easier loading than previous designs and maximises payload. The redesigned body features a rerouted exhaust heat system that helps minimise material carry-back that improves load efficiency and reduces clean-up time. Improved payload technology allows operators to view real-time load weights on the integrated display and the system’s updated software and sensors provide accurate data. External payload indicator lights alert the loading operator when approaching rated payload and when payload is reached. Caterpillar’s Dynamic Roll Over Protection works alongside the field-proven Stability Assist, which prevents hoisting on uneven terrain. Configurable to material and jobsite conditions, this new feature monitors conditions to detect when the truck is experiencing high lateral acceleration. In critical situations it provides a visual and audible alarm, reduces fuel and applies service brakes automatically. It reduces the risk of machine rollover due to high-

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

ABOVE With the introduction of the Cat C13B engine on the 725, the improved power-toweight ratio means it is up to 14% more efficient on the Tier 4 Final (and equivalent) machines compared to the previous 725 BELOW Pedigree in Peterlee: one of DJB’s trucks, a D35 from the 1980s, sits atop a raised mound overlooking the entrance to Caterpillar’s sprawling 24-hectare manufacturing site in northern England

speed cornering, helping minimise downtime and safety repairs from rolling the truck. Additionally, Stability Assist software reports information via VisionLink to increase awareness of when an event has occurred. A new dump-body height limit feature for the 725, 730 and 735 models allows the bed-raise height to be set to meet jobsite conditions. The operator can quickly set the raise height limit by raising the bed to the desired height and holding a button on the keypad. Alternatively, it can be set through the display service mode to meet site-wide limits. This feature helps prevent the dump body from contacting overhead objects and increases cycle time by limiting full-body travel.

Ejector unloading option The Cat 730 EJ Articulated Truck ejects the load without raising the body. This allows load dispersal on inclines, side slopes and in very soft underfoot conditions such as those found on landfill sites. The ejector system virtually eliminates the possibility of material sticking to the body. In doing so, the ejector system increases productivity; the truck can eject in areas with low overhead clearance, such as around overhead lines or in tunnelling and underground operations. Delivering faster cycle times, the versatile 730 EJ can eject and spread material on the go to reduce the need for additional spreading and dozing equipment. For front and rear proximity detection, all Next Generation Articulated Trucks offer an optional object-detect and multi-view camera via a separate secondary monitor. The system’s radar sensors, mounted fore and aft, provide visual and audible alerts when objects are within the truck’s travel path. Four discrete camera views, configurable to the operator's preference, are mounted at the front, rear and sides. Extended features & latest digital content globalhighways.com

Fleet management made easy Our user-friendly all-in-one fleet management system gives you instant access to vital performance data on all your equipment. It even collects data from other manufacturers’ machines, giving you a complete overview of your entire fleet. With custom reporting tools focusing on key metrics, and smart geofencing for precise productivity tracking, you’ll have everything you need to boost the efficiency of your machinery and save you valuable time.

For more information, scan the QR code

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EARTHMOVING

Coaching advice An optional onboard interactive training tool, Operator Coaching, measures and reports on individual operator behaviour that impacts efficiency, safety and machine health. Operator Coaching identifies opportunities to improve operating behaviour for the inexperienced, as well as experienced operators alike, by monitoring 14 activities. Tips can be viewed on a summary page on the main touchscreen display, while animated video tutorials provide operator instructions. For fleet managers, the GPS function includes maps to show the location of where tips are triggered on the work cycle. Among the 14 coaching tips are hoisting without articulation, with transmission in neutral and on level ground. There are also tips on reducing cornering speed, using lower gear when retarding, reducing speed in rough conditions and when approaching a grade in a lower gear. End Caterpillar began manufacturing articulated trucks under its name in 1985 at its facility in Peterlee, northern England. The first model to roll out of the plant was the D400, a 36-tonne machine. Over the years, the line-up has expanded to include multiple three-axle models, including innovations such as the 740 EJ for efficient unloading. Continuous design improvements in power, capacity and operator comfort have been a hallmark of the facility which produced its 50,000th Cat Articulated Truck in 2018. More information on the new Cat 725, 730, 730 EJ and 735 Articulated Trucks can be found by contacting a Caterpillar dealer or visiting www.cat.com.

In the jump seat with Scott Recent downpours had made the ground at Caterpillar’s Conforth Proving Ground extremely muddy and heavy, just the sort of conditions in which articulated truck drivers love to show off their skills. Traditionally, these behemoths have needed drivers with a lot of skills honed over time. As with any heavy construction equipment, mistakes - no matter how skilled a driver is - can be costly, even fatal. Caterpillar’s newest generation of articulated trucks has the most advanced and sophisticated safety systems of any such vehicles. It’s about safety first, second and last, according to Scott Thomas, Caterpillar’s US-based market professional for articulated trucks. Thomas is behind the wheel as the Cat 730 pre-production machine makes its way around the old quarry, executing tight turns, backing into loading positions to receive 30 tonnes of mud and dirt. The machine then crawls up various 25% grades to come down the other side and eventually dump its load. Thomas provides a running commentary about safety features, at times taking his foot completely off the accelerator to show how the truck’s automatic features kick in according to the conditions in which the vehicle finds itself. This speed reduction feature is the advanced automatic traction control. It requires no operator input to prevent wheel slippage in poor underfoot conditions for maximum traction and productivity. The new engine-overspeed control

works seamlessly with Automatic Retarder Control (ARC) to manage braking and automatically adjust engine speed; this enhances truck handling, improves steering response and, importantly from a safety perspective, builds confidence for newer operators in challenging conditions. Meanwhile, machine speed limiting supports safe operation by allowing ground speed to be set by the operator or in service mode. This is ideal for uneven terrain, high-traffic areas or sites with strict speed regulations. Additionally, the integrated body height limiter promotes safety by helping ensure the machine operates within jobsite standards and height restrictions. In order to reduce operator fatigue, the new Auto Wait Brake (AWB) automatically applies service brakes when the shift lever is in any position other than park and ground speed reaches 0kph, a complete stop. The service brakes apply in less than one second after the machine has stopped. Then after eight seconds, the transmission shifts to neutral with AWB engaging. When the operator needs to start his journey, he or she simply applies the accelerator which will re-engage the transmission and release the service brakes. In short, Auto Wait Brake eliminates the need to shift to park for short duration stops and saves fuel when shifting to neutral. This feature also works with the machine Hill Assist, by applying the service brakes to prevent rollback.

ABOVE The Cat 725 (pictured), 730 and 735 models feature a redesigned dump body that offers easier loading than previous designs and maximises payload RIGHT Caterpillar’s Dynamic Roll Over Protection monitors conditions to detect when the truck is experiencing high lateral acceleration, reducing the risk of machine rollover due to high-speed cornering

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

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See how we innovate at CONEXPO 2026… BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

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Every Application. Every Phase. One Platform. Since our founding in 1932, we have relentlessly pursued innovation that goes beyond simply delivering products. We enable possibilities. By equipping industries with intelligent solutions, we simplify complex workflows and maximize efficiency, creating real, tangible value for your business. We don’t just build technology; we listen, adapt, and respond to your evolving needs. Our solutions are designed to be both practical and transformative, helping you reduce waste, increase productivity, and enhance decision-making. With Topcon, you aren’t just keeping up with change—you’re leading it. Move forward with confidence that comes from customer-driven innovation.

See how we innovate at CONEXPO 2026. Scan to stay up to date on what Topcon has in store in the West Hall at Booth W42921.

Learn more at topconpositioning.com

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EQUIPMENT

Komatsu claims that its new WA170M-11 wheeled loader offers high versatility. The machine is available with different loader linkage options, allowing it to handle a wider range of duties. Aimed at the 10tonne weight class, the WA170M-11 is now available with two different loader linkages, following rigorous testing. In addition to the classic Z-kinematics, Komatsu is offering its toollinkage kinematics, known from larger models, for the first time in this class. The machine can be used with existing attachments and across a wide variety of tasks. The enhanced testing programme was conducted in collaboration with multiple customers, including German processing facility, Kompostwerk Hellefeld Höhe. Operators from the facility tested the wheeled loader across various terrains and environments, providing feedback to help refine the product. The innovative, compact wheeled loader

VERSATILE LOADING FROM KOMATSU

is powered by a 96kW Stage V diesel engine and delivers high performance across multiple disciplines and environments. www.komatu.eu

Komatsu’s 10tonne WA170M-11 wheeled loader offers additional versatility

New innovations from Wacker Neuson

Wacker Neuson offers new machines and technology

The new EZ10e excavator features electric power and a 1.2tonne operating weight. Suited to applications with a restricted floor load, such as indoors, its 14kWh lithium-ion battery makes application times of up to eight hours possible. Minimal charging times and parallel operation at the socket allow continuous operation. The machine features joystick controls, a jog-dial operating system

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

and adjustable armrests, as well as a clear display, bringing the comfort of the larger machines to the EZ10e. Additionally, the green-illuminated Active Working Signal increases safety on both internal and nighttime construction sites. The Zero Tail design of the EZ10e allows working in confined spaces, while the telescopic travel gear can be reduced from 1100mm to 790mm, as well as having a fold-over dozer blade extension. The new ET08 tracked excavator, with an

800 kg operating weight and a width of just 700 mm, is also designed especially for working in confined spaces. The ET08 is based on the tried and tested 803 mini tracked excavator from Wacker Neuson. The firm is also offering a skip switching system for wheeled dumpers. The skip switching system was initially designed for the Dual View dumper DV60 with two skips: the established swivel tip skip, as well as the three-sided tipping platform with fold-down and removable side walls. One person can change the skip in a few steps and without any tools. The supplied feet make it possible to set aside the removed skip. By changing the skip, the user can transport both bulk material and other materials. And the company has developed its new EquipCare package, a digital solution allowing centralised monitoring of machine locations, operating times and maintenance requirements of machines. A new, user-friendly front end simplifies operation, and customised functional packages allow EquipCare to be tailored to different users. The digital provision is complemented by the Wacker Neuson app, which makes all the important information, like operating instructions, the spare parts catalogue and instruction videos, available to users.

www.wackerneuson.com

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ONSITE

The new Develon loader is used for stockpiling and truck-loading duties

NEW UK QUARRY USING DEVELON MACHINE FLEET A new quarry in the UK is benefiting from the use of a fleet of machines from Develon. The new mobile fleet comprises a wheeled loader and an excavator and the quarry is located close to Grantham in Lincolnshire. The facility, Skillington Quarry, was developed from a greenfield site in early 2025 and is now fully operational, producing limestone. Skillington Quarry is owned by Heritage Quarry Group (North) and has consented reserves of more than 10 million tonnes of limestone. A significant proportion of the limestone produced at the quarry comes

from material loaded into the mobile crushing, screening and conveying equipment on site by the DX490LC-7 50.4 tonne crawler excavator and it is stockpiled by the DL580-7 wheeled loader, which is also used for truck loading. Steve Johnson, director at Heritage Quarry Group (North), said: “It has been hard work, including installing all the infrastructure required such as water and electrification. “The new Develon equipment has been very impressive - I have employed a lot of Doosan equipment successfully in the

past and the new latest generation Develon machines continue to excel in the loading and stockpiling roles that are vital to the productivity of the new quarry.” The new excavator and loader were supplied to the site by Pioneer Plant, based in Corby in Northamptonshire. Pioneer Plant is the authorised dealer for Develon for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and the PE and NG postcode areas of South Lincolnshire. This firm also provides service support for the machines. https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/

New Ammann concrete plants for Dubai Two new concrete plants from Ammann are assisting a customer in Dubai with providing quality materials to meet growing construction demand. The two plants have been bought by Wade Adams Ready Mix Concrete Manufacturing LLC, part of the renowned Wade Adams Group of Companies. The state-of-the-art concrete production facility is located in Jabel Ali, Dubai, and has been equipped with two Ammann Elba CBT 130 plants. Wade Adams is one of Ammann’s most important customers in the Dubai region and the latest investment is for the two CBT 130 concrete-batching plants, following positive experiences with Ammann products in the past. The dual CBT 130 configuration installed at Jabel Ali was customised to fit the conditions and space constraints of the site. The CBT concrete plants are modular in design, which reduces erection time, transport costs, and installation complexity. This modular system aided the customised twin-plant setup and also provided greater efficiency and faster commissioning.

Twin concrete plants from Amman are delivering quality materials for the facility in Dubai

Each of the plants installed at Jabel Ali is equipped with the Elba CEM 300 TP mixer, capable of producing up to 130m3 of concrete/hour. The plants also feature a fivecompartment aggregate-storage system with a total capacity of 125m3, as well as precise dosing equipment for multiple additives, silica and ice.

Global Highways Magazine for industry-related discussion

The Elba CEM 3000 TP twin-shaft, twinspiral mixer ensures homogeneous concrete mixes in less time. The design features easy-to-remove shaft seals, which reduce downtime during maintenance. In addition, the wear parts offer high durability, for long service life.

www.ammann.com

GLOBAL HIGHWAYS 2026 VOL. 1

SKIDMARKS

"Our Skidmarks page is highly rated by readers. Your input could help make this page even more entertaining. If you come across any amusing road-related stories, pictures or videos, email me at mwoof@ropl.com"

Mike Woof

SCOOTING

Police officers in Rome spotted a young man riding an electric rental scooter while carrying something suspicious. They stopped the young man and took a closer look at what he was carrying. Following examination by the Special Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Rome of the Ministry of Culture, the item turned out to be the marble base of a column, a historic artefact protected by Italian law. The man, a 24-year-old German tourist, explained that he wanted to take home a souvenir of Italy. He was arrested and charged with possessing a stolen item of historical value. However, it is not clear how the young man managed to come by the 30kg marble base or where it came from.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING

A woman in the UK was rather embarrassed in the aftermath of a crash she was involved in. She ran her Range Rover off-road, ending up with the

car sandwiched between trees and it had to be towed out. When police arrived on the scene they suspected her of being under the influence of alcohol. She was breathalysed and found to have a bloodalcohol level three times the permitted amount. Not only was she banned from driving for 30 months, she was also given a four-month 7pmto-7am curfew order by the judge, as well as being fined. A crackdown on drink driving in the UK by various police forces has seen 6,931 drivers arrested for being under the influence of alcohol. Drug driving is also a recognised problem even though UK police have had kits to give drivers roadside tests for this offence for the last decade.

BEAR-BACK RIDER

Police in Canada made an unusual traffic stop recently. They spotted a man riding on the back of a bear along a country road. The man was drinking heavily from a bottle of whiskey, having downed a considerable

EDITOR'S PHOTO OF THE MONTH Sometimes you just have to keep waiting that little bit longer in your vehicle – image courtesy of Mike Woof quantity of it. The officers managed to convince the man to dismount and allowed the bear to escape. The man was then taken back to the police station to sober up.

NOT A REFRESHING DRINK

A man in the UK is regretting having filmed himself at the wheel of his flatbed truck. He shot footage of himself opening a can of beer while driving considerably in excess of the speed limit along a busy road, then lost control of the vehicle almost immediately after. The truck started to

veer from side to side but he could not keep it in a straight line. It plunged off the road before rolling several times and slamming into a tree. The driver and one of his passengers were able to free themselves from the wreckage but another passenger had to wait for the emergency services to arrive before being freed. However, both passengers suffered injuries that may have long-term consequences. Following the discovery of the footage he had shot, he was charged with a series of driving offences and was sentenced to three years behind bars.

Wrong way

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A driver in the US state of Iowa found out the hard way that drinking and driving is dangerous. Officers spotted the car being driven poorly in winter weather conditions and gave chase, with the driver then trying to escape. The driver was so intoxicated that he did not realise he was driving on the wrong side of the road. A police car stayed close during the pursuit, with the drink driver then smashing head-on into oncoming vehicles and rolling over. The driver’s car and two others were wrecked, though no serious injuries were reported, luckily.

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