Civil Engineering stories
Auckland commuters and freight operators are set to gain from a NZD $30 billion transport spend, though congestion relief is still in doubt.
Higher fuel taxes could raise freight costs, with road carriers warning households will pay more unless extra revenue funds roads.
Palmerston North’s wastewater upgrade review is set to gain experienced oversight, with Dr David Warburton appointed to chair the steering group.
Rising costs and a thin project pipeline are forcing contractors to shed skilled workers, threatening housing and infrastructure delivery.
Corrosion is costing Australia A$8 billion a year in avoidable bridge and concrete damage, with traffic and salt speeds worsening wear.
Entries close on 30 April for awards that give infrastructure projects global exposure and a chance to be showcased in London.
Commuters and motorists in Auckland’s CBD face another year of major disruption as permanent tunnel works and backfilling ramp up on City Rail Link.
Civil contractors face tougher bids as procurement shifts towards quality, sustainability and whole-of-life value for ratepayers.
Fulton Hogan turns to VR for staff training, using a VR Boil Out app to recreate realistic scenarios without risk.
One worker can now remove stubborn bearings more safely, as synchronised jaws cut slip risks and speed up shaft-mounted part removal.
Road freight operators warn the replacement route must avoid repeats of months-long disruption and cope with heavy trucks on steep grades.
Public feedback opens on four cheaper routes after the Manawatū Gorge closure left the region without a safe state highway link.
Better safety and quality control in prefab building could speed up cheaper, more durable projects as Victoria unveils a world first code.
Lower-cost pipe repairs are helping cities cut sewage leaks and avoid roadworks as ageing sewer networks come under pressure.
Freight services are easing pressure on the alternate road, with up to 2000 trucks a month expected to be taken off it during the rebuild.
New Zealand projects claimed three prizes as the inaugural IPWEA Australasia awards recognised public works judged best across the region.
Freight pressure on the inland route should ease, with up to 2,000 trucks a month set to shift back to rail after the Kaikoura quake.
Shipping containers have kept Queenstown’s Kawarau Falls Bridge replacement moving through extreme weather and a wide river crossing.
Computerised controls are making strand-jack lifts safer and more economical for bridges, mines and rigs handling loads of up to 1,400 tons.
Construction activity remains strong nationwide, with ready-mix concrete output topping 1 million cubic metres in the June quarter.
