November’s top stories: Goodyear Proactive Solutions launched, Canada to expand Highway 16

Goodyear launches Connected Fleet Management Solutions

Goodyear, a global tire company, launched a new pan-European business called Goodyear Proactive Solutions, which offers a suite of vehicle-to-fleet operations management solutions featuring advanced telematics and predictive analytics technology.

The new solution has been developed using computer algorithms and data derived from the company's commercial tyre and service business, which enable fleets to monitor their vehicles and tyres in real time.

Goodyear Europe, Middle-East and Africa commercial business vice-president Michel Rzonzef said: "We are witnessing a transformational shift that is reshaping commercial trucking.

Canada to invest $17.9m on Highway 16 expansion

The governments of Canada and British Columbia (BC) will invest C$24m ($17.9m), for expanding 3.4km stretch of Highway 16 from two lanes to four.

The Highway 16 expansion between Bunce Road and east of Jensen Road will improve safety of road users and reduce congestion.

Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Amarjeet Sohi said: "Every day, middle class Canadians rely on safe and secure roads to get to their destinations and back home again, and to efficiently move goods throughout the country.”

Jacobs to provide design services for Australia’s Bruce Highway upgrade project

Global construction company Jacobs Engineering Group been appointed as a member of the Fulton Hogan Seymour Whyte Joint Venture (FHSW JV) to support the Bruce Highway upgrade project in Australia.

As a member of the JV, Jacobs will provide design services for the Bruce Highway upgrade, which includes Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway in Queensland, Australia.

The $860m project works include upgrading the highway to six lanes and delivering major upgrades of the Caloundra Road and Sunshine Motorway interchanges, which is reported to be one of Queensland’s highest priority road projects.

ADB and JICA provide financial support for road upgrade in Timor-Leste

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a loan of $49.65m for upgrading 105km of road connecting the capital, Dili, and the second-largest town, Baucau, located on the north coast in Timor-Leste.

The project will also receive financial assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

ADB Timor-Leste Resident Mission principal infrastructure specialist Richard Phelps said: “The road network in Timor-Leste has been deteriorated due to lack of investment in maintenance and rehabilitation, constraining the country’s efforts to develop.

Agreement reached to end 15-year dispute over SR 241 toll road extension

An agreement has been reached to end the 15-year old dispute over the proposed Foothill-South Toll Road in southern Orange County and northern San Diego County.

The details of this historic settlement were revealed by representatives from the Foothill / Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA), California Attorney General Kamala Harris, the Save San Onofre Coalition, the California Park and Recreation Commission and the Native American Heritage Commission.

The agreement has created an opportunity for TCA to consider a number of transportation project ideas including State Route 241 – Interstate 5 connection options.

MTC authorises $27.2m contract for Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Improvement Project in US

The Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) Bay Area Toll Authority Oversight Committee gave a $27.2m contract to OC Jones and Sons for the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Improvement Project in the US.

Additionally, the committee has given approval for a $5.6m contingency fund to accommodate changes in the work under the project.

Under the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Improvement Project, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) is undertaking projects to improve mobility along the Interstate 580 corridor between Richmond and San Rafael, US.

Ontario Government to enhance safety of pedestrians and cyclists

The Government of Ontario intends to introduce new legislation to give municipalities additional tools to make Toronto streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

The intended legislation, if passed, would allow the municipalities to introduce automated speed enforcement (ASE) technology, which automatically takes pictures of speeders' licence plates, on municipal roads in community safety zones and school zones.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said: “We have heard from Torontonians, safety advocates and city officials that too many injuries and deaths in this community are being caused by drivers who speed.

Navis implements its N4 TOS at Kazakhstan’s Khorgos Gateway Dry Port

Cargotec company Navis successfully implemented its N4 terminal operating system (TOS) at Khorgos Gateway Dry Port in Kazakhstan.

With an aim to build a modern dry port operation, the terminal seeks to meet increasing transshipment volume by implementing software to complement its high-level automation.

The implementation of terminal hardware and software is part of major transcontinental trade route development and is in line with China’s One Belt One Road initiative to rebuild trade links across Eurasia to Western Europe.

Cumberland Highway gets new clearway signs

The Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia decided to install new clearways as part of their efforts to improve the traffic flow along the key corridor in western Sydney between Constitution Hill and Liverpool.

The installation of north and southbound clearways would enable authorities to tow parked cars blocking traffic, and improve traffic congestion.

Roads and Maritime Services spokesperson said:  “The Cumberland Highway is a major freight and transport corridor and forms part of the A28 route through greater western Sydney.

EIB offers €12m grant for North-South Road Corridor in Armenia

The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement to grant €12m to the Republic of Armenia for supporting the completion of the North-South Road Corridor, under the Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF).

The North-South Road Corridor is reported to be a strategic part of Armenia’s transport infrastructure. The NIF grant will be offered by the EIB on behalf of the European Commission to the Republic of Armenia, which includes €6m investment grant and €6m technical assistance component.

The €6m investment grant will be used for financing works and supplies necessary for the Armenia North-South Road Corridor Investment Programme and the €6m technical assistance component was already signed last year.