Mazaka Heavy Industry: Infrastructure Machinery Solutions
Mazaka Heavy Industry
Infrastructure Machinery Solutions
Mazaka Heavy Industry is a Türkiye-based manufacturer providing advanced machinery solutions for road infrastructure, renewable energy, and field applications. Established in 1987, the company operates in a 30,000 m² production facility and exports its machinery to customers in more than 60 countries worldwide.
With decades of manufacturing experience, Mazaka focuses on developing durable, practical, and efficient machines designed for demanding working conditions. The company combines smart engineering, user-oriented machine design, and continuous product development to deliver reliable solutions for infrastructure and industrial projects across global markets.
Mazaka’s product range primarily serves the solar energy and road infrastructure sectors and includes:
• Road barrier pile driving machines
• Solar pile driving systems
• Drilling and pile driving attachments
• Scissor man lift platforms for solar mounting and agriculture
• Truck-mounted rough terrain forklifts
• Truck-mounted crawler forklifts
• Solar panel cleaning brushes
• Vacuum lifting attachments for solar panel installation applications
In addition to machine manufacturing, Mazaka places strong emphasis on responsive after-sales support and technical service. Through its growing international operations and customer-focused approach, the company continues to strengthen long-term partnerships and provide practical solutions tailored to field requirements.
As part of its 2026 growth strategy, Mazaka aims to further strengthen its presence in international markets while continuing to invest in sustainable industrial technologies, innovative engineering solutions, and global business collaborations.
Through its membership in international industry organizations such as the International Road Federation (IRF), Mazaka also aims to contribute to global infrastructure development and industry cooperation.
Nea Odos S.A. Deploys AI-Powered Traffic Management Across Ionia Odos Motorway (A5) in Partnership with Valerann
Athens, Greece & London, UK | 26th of May 2026
Nea Odos SA, a leading motorway concessionaire in Greece, and Valerann, a global pioneer in AI-based traffic operations and analytics, today announced the full deployment of Valerann’s flagship platform, Lanternn, across the 196 km Ionia Odos motorway (A5).
With this rollout, Nea Odos becomes the first motorway operator in Greece to implement an AI-driven system for real-time traffic management and incident response. The commercial deployment follows the successful completion of a pilot on a 40 km section of the A1 (A.Th.E.) motorway.
During the pilot phase, Lanternn in close cooperation with Nea Odos, demonstrated significant operational improvements, including a increase in detected incidents compared to existing methods, earlier detection of incidents by more than 15 minutes, alert accuracy, and a reduction in operational noise, transforming tens of thousands of daily data points into a limited number of actionable alerts.
Building on these results, Nea Odos move to a second level of extended deployment and now Lanternn is live along the full length of Ionia Odos, from the Rio–Antirrio Bridge in the south to the Egnatia Odos interchange near Ioannina. The platform fuses data from multiple sources—such as roadside sensors and cameras, navigation applications, and weather feeds—into a unified, AI-powered operational view. This enables enhanced
situational awareness, automated incident detection in the open motorway, and continuous risk profiling across one of Greece’s most strategically important motorways, which forms part of the European E65 route.
The deployment positions Nea Odos, as well as the wider GEK TERNA Group motorway concessions portfolio, at the forefront of intelligent road operations in Southeastern Europe, establishing a scalable reference model for future AI-enabled motorway management.
Rodianos Antonakopoulos, CEO of Nea Odos, said: “Since 2020, Nea Odos has strategically invested in innovative technologies and AI, driven by our vision to transform motorway operations through smarter, safer, and more proactive infrastructure management, always with road safety as our highest priority.
In close collaboration with Valerann, we were able to combine this vision with their advanced technological expertise and platform capabilities, creating a tailor-made solution fully aligned with our operational needs and ambitions. This partnership enabled us to transform a strategic vision into a practical and highly effective operational tool.
The pilot results exceeded our expectations, clearly demonstrating the value of AI, data fusion, and predictive analytics in enhancing incident detection and response capabilities.
This expansion further strengthens our ability to deliver safer, smarter, and more efficient motorways for our users.”
““Deploying Lanternn across the entire Ionia Odos is a landmark moment for Greece. Every kilometre of this corridor now benefits from AI-driven insights that help operators detect incidents sooner, cut through operational noise, and act decisively. We see this as a blueprint for the future of motorway operations across Europe.”
About Nea Odos
Nea Odos is the company that has undertaken the design, planning, construction, exploitation, operation, and maintenance of the ‘Ionia Odos’ Concession project. This revitalisation projectincludes the following main motorways:
- The A5 motorway motorway known by the name ‘Ionia Odos’, which is 196 km long, from Antirrio to Ioannina (Interchange with Egnatia Odos). This motorway is incredibly
important from a social and development perspective, since:
- It connects all of Western Greece, significantly upgrading urban and rural centres,
such as Ioannina, Arta, and Agrinio
- It crosses two regions and four prefectures, and which comes to cover a demand
that has existed for many years and provide a new development boost.
- It contributes to the more adequate connection of the ports of Patras, Astakos, and Igoumenitsa, significant ports of Greece
Its technical characteristics include 24 bridges with a total length of 7 km, 4 tunnels with a total length of 11.2 km, 77 underpasses and 24 overpasses.
Having undertaken a revitalisation project with a total budget of 1.1 billion €, the strategic goal of Nea Odos is to construct, operate, maintain, and manage modern European standard motorways that will contribute to the growth of the national economy, ensure the protection of the environment, and enhance the quality of life of society at large.
About Valerann
Valerann is a global leader in advanced road traffic management solutions (ATMS), redefining modern mobility through enhanced roadway safety and operational efficiency. Leveraging proprietary AI and computer vision algorithms, Valerann in real time processes vast volumes of traffic data in real time to enable accurate, timely, and actionable decision-making.
Its industry-leading cloud platform, Lanternn, empowers road traffic authorities with real-time situational awareness, risk profiling, and significantly faster incident detection. The multi-award-winning solution is trusted by public and private operators across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, and Central and Latin America, delivering double-digit
reductions in accident rates through more proactive traffic management.
For additional information, visit www.valerann.com and follow us on our official LinkedIn channel. For press enquiries, please contact us at press@valerann.com.
TRL Appointed by Department for Transport as PAS 2161 Approvals Auditor
TRL has been appointed by the Department for Transport (DfT) as the PAS 2161 approvals auditor, supporting the consistent and independent assessment of road condition monitoring (RCM) technologies across England through to 31st December 2030.
Under the contract, TRL will independently assess and approve technology providers to verify that their systems can deliver road condition data in accordance with PAS 2161 requirements. This will provide local highway authorities with greater confidence that the data used to inform highway maintenance and asset management decisions is accurate, compliant and nationally comparable, regardless of the technology platform used, supporting evidence-based asset management and long-term investment decisions across the highway network.
PAS 2161 establishes a consistent framework for collecting and reporting RCM data, enabling comparable network-level reporting regardless of the technology used. From 2026 onwards, local highway authorities will be required to submit classified road condition data to DfT in the PAS 2161 format, using technologies approved through the formal assessment process.
Mat Brough, Director of Asset Management for TRL, said: “TRL is delighted to have been appointed by the Department for Transport as the PAS 2161 approvals auditor, supporting the consistent assessment of road condition monitoring technologies across England.
“In this role, TRL will independently assess technology providers to ensure they can deliver road condition data in line with PAS 2161, the national standard for road condition assessment. This will enable local highway authorities to compare outputs with confidence, regardless of the technology used, helping to ensure that the data informing highway asset management decisions is accurate, compliant and suitable for national benchmarking.”
“Alongside the approvals process, TRL will work closely with local highway authorities and technology suppliers to raise awareness of PAS 2161, support supplier engagement, and ensure approved technologies continue to meet the required standard through the ongoing two-year re-approval cycle.”
Technology providers interested in achieving PAS 2161 approval and local highway authorities seeking further information on the approvals process will be able to access guidance and support through TRL over the duration of the contract.
TRL will be seeking/engaging local authority engineers to provide independent impartial assessment of benchmark sites.
Technology providers and Local authorities can contact TRL via RCMTrials@trl.co.uk or visit PAS 2161
N.C. Turnpike Authority Partners with Valerann to Pilot Lanternn on I-485 Express Lanes
31 March 2026 | Raleigh/London - The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA), in partnership with Valerann, is launching a pilot of Lanternn by Valerann™ on the I‑485 Express Lanes in Charlotte, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to innovation, roadway safety, and future-ready transportation operations. The initiative aims to enhance real-time awareness of roadway conditions and support operators in maintaining safe, efficient travel along one of the region’s most active corridors.
The pilot focuses on identifying roadway impacts such as crashes, stopped or slowed vehicles, pedestrians on the roadway, wrong-way drivers, and other abnormal conditions that disrupt traffic flow. Lanternn gathers and analyzes real-time data from NCTA’s existing traffic camera network, navigation platforms, and additional third-party sources. This automated approach detects incidents earlier, verifies them faster, and reduces reliance on continuous manual camera monitoring. Today, operators must scan multiple camera feeds to spot potential issues; Lanternn accelerates this process and improves accuracy by automatically identifying potential or verified impacts. For example, if traffic begins to slow, the platform proactively searches for contributing factors and delivers earlier alerts to operators.
“This pilot on the I-485 Express Lanes reflects our commitment to practical, innovative solutions that improve visibility along the corridor, strengthen roadway safety, and help our operations teams respond quickly to incidents while keeping traffic moving efficiently,” said J.J. Eden, Executive Director of the North Carolina Turnpike Authority.
Lanternn by Valerann™ is an AI-enabled cloud platform currently used by roadway operators across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. Its deployments have earned multiple industry recognitions, including awards from IBTTA, the European Commission, Intertraffic Amsterdam and CES for advancements in intelligent transportation technologies.
About the North Carolina Turnpike Authority
The NCTA supports NCDOT by studying, planning, developing, operating, and maintaining toll facilities across the state. North Carolina was the first state in the nation to implement all-electronic tolling statewide. Learn more at ncdot.gov/turnpike.
About Valerann
Valerann is a global leader in advanced traffic management solutions. Its AI-driven technologies provide real-time situational awareness, risk profiling, and faster impact detection to support safer, more efficient travel. Learn more at www.valerann.com.
UK–Ghana Study Tour Strengthens Partnership on Roads and Future Transport Systems
Senior officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH) have concluded a weeklong study tour to the United Kingdom, focused on strengthening institutional capacity in road asset management, road safety, and future transport systems.
The study tour, held from 16th - 20th March 2026, brought together political and technical leadership from Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH), the Ghana Highway Authority, the Department of Urban Roads, and the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF). A central component of the visit was a four-day programme delivered by TRL at its Woolwich Living Lab, where delegates engaged directly with cutting-edge research, innovation, and real-world transport solutions.
TRL’s Living Lab provided an immersive environment for knowledge exchange on road asset management, the Safe System approach to road safety, and the application of data-driven and digital tools to improve network performance. Through a mix of technical sessions, demonstrations, and collaborative discussions, delegates explored how innovation can support safer, more resilient, and future-ready transport systems.
Beyond TRL, the wider programme enabled engagement with UK transport institutions, delivery bodies, academia, and industry partners, offering practical insights into the planning, operation, and maintenance of road networks. This included operational site visits focused on motorway management and toll road operations, with engagement alongside National Highways on the M25 and a visit to the M6 Toll to understand UK approaches to safety, maintenance, and customer experience.
A key moment of the tour was a Business and Industry Roundtable, bringing together Ghanaian officials, UK delivery bodies, financiers, and private sector partners. Discussions focused on Ghana’s transport priorities and explored opportunities for collaboration, investment, and knowledge sharing.
The study tour highlights TRL’s role at the forefront of transport research and innovation, and its commitment to supporting international partners through practical, evidence-led solutions. It also reflects the UK’s broader growth partnership with Ghana, centred on technical collaboration, institutional strengthening, and long-term support for the development of safer, more efficient, and future-ready transport systems.
Speaking at the close of the visit, Hon. Alhassan Sayibu Suhuyini, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways, said:
“This study tour has been genuinely valuable, and it’s clear that many of the mobility challenges we face in Accra and Kumasi are shared in cities like London. We have seen practical approaches to road safety, asset management and managing works on busy corridors that we can adapt in Ghana. A key takeaway is the opportunity to revitalise the Ministry’s Koforidua Training Centre to help close skills gaps and strengthen delivery across the road sector.”
The British High Commissioner to Ghana H.E. Dr. Christian Rogg said:
“This visit demonstrates the strength of the UK–Ghana partnership and our shared commitment to building safer, more resilient transport systems. Through technical collaboration, leadership-level engagement and knowledge exchange, the UK is proud to support Ghana’s transport ambitions as a long-term partner.”
Colin Broadwood, TRL’s Head of Assets and Climate said:
“We were honoured to host senior officials from Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways under the FCDO GCIEP programme for four days at Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)’s Living Lab in Woolwich, London. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to share TRL’s expertise in transport research, innovation and evidence-led approaches to road safety, asset management and future mobility systems. Engaging directly with the delegation allowed us to exchange insights on the practical challenges and opportunities facing transport networks, and to explore how data, research and collaboration can support more resilient and efficient road systems. We are proud to contribute to this important UK-Ghana partnership and look forward to continuing to support the development of safer, future-ready transport systems in Ghana.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The study tour was organised under the Green Cities Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP), in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
The programme focused on institutional learning, knowledge exchange and partnership building and does not constitute funding or procurement announcements.
Second successful project in Scotland within months: ecopals accelerates sustainable road construction with recycled plastic asphalt additive
- EcoFlakes PRO, a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics, was applied in a second project in North Lanarkshire, following the convincing performance of the first site in Scotland just months earlier.
- The second project in Strathclyde Country Park incorporated EcoFlakes modified asphalt utilizing Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology for additional energy and emissions savings.
- By continuing the use of this technology, the council and its partners are accelerating the transition toward sustainable, low-carbon road construction.
- The underlying technology was developed by German company ecopals in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology.
Motherwell, SCO / Berlin, GER (March 19th 2026) – Just months after completing the United Kingdom’s first-ever EcoFlakes project in Motherwell, Scotland, ecopals has successfully delivered a second project in the area of North Lanarkshire Council. A section in Strathclyde Country Park has now been upgraded with EcoFlakes PRO, the company’s high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastics. The rapid follow-up project reflects the strong performance and positive reception of the initial trial and marks a significant step forward in the deployment of sustainable road materials across the UK.
In Strathclyde Country Park, EcoFlakes PRO was applied in combination with Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), a method that reduces mixing and laying temperatures, further lowering energy consumption and on-site emissions compared to conventional hot mix processes. By incorporating recycled plastics into the mix, EcoFlakes reduce the dependence on costly virgin polymers derived from crude oil, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 20% compared to conventional asphalt while enhancing pavement durability.
Since 2021, ecopals has grown its project portfolio across Europe and Eurasia, delivering proven additive technology at scale. The company is now rapidly expanding its footprint in the United Kingdom, supported by a strong network of industrial partners.
The foundational recycling process was developed by ecopals together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology (ICT) in Germany. Through a multi-stage process, recycled plastic is refined for use in asphalt. This not only improves the thermal stability and long-term durability of the asphalt mixture but also ensures that a previously underutilised material re-enters a sustainable cycle, contributing to both the circular economy and the decarbonisation of road infrastructure.
Jonas Varga, Managing Partner, ecopals: “We are thrilled to see our technology being applied for the second time in Scotland so shortly after the first trial. With several projects already in the pipeline, this rapid succession is a clear signal that the performance of the asphalt has convinced our partners. By using EcoFlakes PRO in combination with WMA, we are not only reducing the carbon footprint but also delivering a more durable and resilient pavement. We are very grateful to North Lanarkshire Council for their continued trust and for leading the way in sustainable infrastructure.”
Scott Walker, Roads & Asset Services Manager, North Lanarkshire Council: “The use of EcoFlakes PRO at Strathclyde Country Park is part of our work with the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads to reduce the carbon footprint of the roads network. Through this initiative, we have tested a range of low-carbon materials in live road maintenance environments, helping address technical, behavioural and market barriers that have slowed adoption across the highways sector. We will work with ecopals to monitor and evaluate the road surface over time to assess how it performs, and the data will be shared with partners across the UK.”
Simon Arnold, Schemes Manager (North), HOCHTIEF Operations UK & Ireland: “The team were impressed with the materials, which were, in some instances, more workable than conventional, equivalent materials. The laying characteristics of EcoFlakes were comparable to locally available and widely used conventional materials, where from a laying perspective the team would have no hesitation in using the material in its current form.“
Andy Bowers, Business Development Manager Roads, ACI Group: “Myself and the ACI Group were delighted to play our part in the successful project in Strathclyde for North Lanarkshire using the EcoFlakes PRO material. It's clear that the UK highways industry is actively searching for practical and high-performance materials that deliver both long lasting results and meaningful carbon reduction on the network. What we have seen again in this project is a practical demonstration of how EcoFlakes materials can deliver what is needed in asphalt performance and modern-day requirements. By integrating recycled polymers into asphalt including Warm Mix options, we are helping the network adopt materials that are not only more sustainable but also engineered for long term durability & performance. It's exciting to support councils and contractors who are ready to lead the shift towards lower carbon, high performance and future proof road construction across the UK & Ireland.“
About ecopals
ecopals is a Berlin-based manufacturer of sustainable road construction materials. The company’s mission is to make the recycling industry a cornerstone of modern infrastructure. Its product, EcoFlakes, is a high-performance asphalt additive made from recycled plastic. By replacing virgin polymers and parts of bitumen, EcoFlakes extend asphalt lifespan and reduce the carbon footprint of road construction by up to 20%. ecopals aims to unlock new innovation potential by bridging expertise across industries and disciplines.
www.ecopals.de
Press contact
Arianna Elsässer
arianna.elsaesser@fph.berlin
+49 170 2882433
Jubilee and Winter Olympics: Anas, the Italian National Road Authority, plays a leading role in major world events
Edited by Claudio Andrea GEMME, Chief Executive Officer at ANAS S.p.A. and PIARC Italia President.
Wherever major international events are taking place that will bring millions of people to travel across the Italian territory, Anas, the Italian National Road Authority managing state roads, is present with its know-how in the construction of important roadworks to strengthen transport links, as well as with its commitment to the national road and motorway network. From modernization works to new infrastructure, the goal is to ensure safety, smooth traffic flow and reduced travel times. These interventions intertwine mobility, development and the image of the country, transforming major events into a decisive test for Italian infrastructure.
Anas recently demonstrated this in two major international events: the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games of Milano-Cortina in the Veneto and Lombardia Regions, in Northern Italy, and the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, the Capital of Italy.
Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games
In the first case, Anas was involved, in a very short time, in 13 strategic projects with a total investment of €1.62 billion. The numbers speak for themselves: 1,250 workers and technicians from various companies, plus related suppliers, 630,000 cubic meters of concrete, 120,000 tons of steel and 1.2 million square meters of paving used.
In particular, in the Veneto Region, in the province of Belluno, the opening to traffic of the Tai and Valle di Cadore bypasses on the State Road 51 Alemagna marked a decisive step forward, in view of the start of the Olympics. Anas has thus achieved a significant milestone in its program to improve mountain roads in the Veneto Dolomites Mountain chain. This tangible commitment had already been launched with the 2021 World Ski Championships, affected by the lengthy authorisation process: more than three years of the seven that elapsed between the start of design and opening to traffic.
The two projects, inaugurated on January 26 at the end of the institutional ceremony and carried out in difficult contexts with the aim of improving the lives of all citizens, represent a total investment of approximately €185 million. Both projectsredesign accessibility to Cadore and Cortina d'Ampezzo towns along the State Road 51Alemagna, which is the main northbound route along the Boite Valley. The two tunnels required the movement of over 350,000 cubic meters of material, most of which was reused in a spirit of sustainability, minimising environmental impact. A total of more than 500 workers, over 30 subcontractors and approximately 150 operational vehicles were involved in the works, with constant technical supervision by Anas.
"With the opening of the Tai and Valle di Cadore bypasses, we are delivering to the Region two of the most important projects carried out by Anas in recent years in a mountainous area. We are no longer talking about construction sites or programs, but about infrastructure serving the country, demonstrating Anas' commitment to a more modern and safe mobility in a complex and constantly evolving mountain environment," said Anas CEO Claudio Andrea Gemme during the inauguration ceremony.
The Tai di Cadore bypass is 1.5 kilometers long and includes a tunnel of approximately 1,000 meters, new junctions and hydraulic works. The project required Anas to directly manage complex reclamation and protection activities for protected plant species, as well as the remodeling of the existing bike path. The total value of the work is approximately €110 million.
The Valle di Cadore bypass extends for 800 meters, 620 meters of which are in a tunnel and eliminates the historic bottleneck caused by the urban crossing of Borgata Costa town, which is regulated by traffic lights. The project significantly improves traffic flow and reduces interference with the town center thanks to new junctions and a roundabout on the east side. During the works, a Bronze Age settlement was discovered, proving that Valle di Cadore is one of the oldest inhabited places in the Dolomites Mountain chain. This discovery required a major reorganisation of the construction site activities. In coordination with the Superintendency, Anas undertook to manage a project to enhance the value of the findings. The total value of the work is approximately €75 million.
The Tai and Valle di Cadore bypasses are part of a program launched before the Olympic event, starting with funding from the 2021 World Ski Championships, which involved the entire axis of State Road 51 with a total investment of €360 million. In addition to the Tai, Valle and San Vito di Cadore bypasses, the program involved almost one hundred interventions. Many of these works are dedicated to mitigating hydrogeological instability in a mountainous context characterised by high geomorphological complexity, which is particularly susceptible to the consequences of ongoing climate change.
In the Lombardia Region too, Anas has contributed to improving local and regional road conditions thanks to the infrastructure works carried out for the Olympic Games. As a matter of fact, in January, ahead of schedule, the new Manzoni Bridge along State Road 36 "del Lago di Como e dello Spluga" was opened to traffic. The bridge, built by Anas alongside the existing one, significantly improves traffic flow between the two banks of the Adda River in the Lecco and Pescate towns along one of the strategic axes between Milano and the Valtellina territory. The conversion of the original structure to three lanes, made possible by the construction of the new bridge, responds to the need to separate urban traffic from long-distance traffic in order to ensure smoother and safer travel. The new infrastructure has a total length of 780 meters with a 10.50-meter-wide road platform. The main bridge over the Adda River, built with a steel deck, consists of four spans with a total length of 366.6 meters. The new bridge also features a 2.50-meter-wide bike path crossing the Adda River to promote soft mobility. The total investment for the new infrastructure amounts to €35.6 million.
Jubilee 2025
Not only sports, but also faith moves people. Welcoming the faithful from all over the world in the best possible way during this historic event, which usually occurs every 25 years in the Italian Capital, is essential. The Vatican has always been the heart of Rome. The history of the Jubilee is therefore closely linked to that of the city. The roads and infrastructure are the first thing tourists see when they arrive in Rome, whether by plane, train, bus or car. For these reasons, in the months leading up to the opening of the Holy Door in Rome, there was a great deal of activity of construction sites and complex infrastructure works.
Anas, in collaboration with the institutions, has been working for over two years to improve rail and road mobility in the capital with the aim of offering more functional areas and spaces to facilitate the movement of pilgrims. Anas has implemented a vast program of interventions: over €411 million was allocated to works in Rome for the Jubilee. In addition, the Ferrovie dello Stato Group, the Italian Railway Company of which Anas is a part, contributed to the completion of various maintenance works in the city of Rome.
Between the end of December 2024 and the beginning of January 2025, Anas renovated Piazza dei Cinquecento in front of the Termini train station and completed the Piazza Pia underpass, near the St. Peter’s Basilica. This was the most iconic work of the Jubilee, not only because of its close proximity to St. Peter's Square, but also because of its engineering commitment. The work on Piazza Pia involved the extension of the Lungotevere in Sassia underpass, with the aim of strengthening the pedestrian axis between Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica. The road was brought underground through the extension of the existing underpass built as part of the works for the 2000 Jubilee.
The works for the Jubilee take us back to another of the most representative places: in addition to Piazza Pia, the large area adjacent to Castel Sant'Angelo, and the Tiber River and the beginning of Via della Conciliazione, there is also Piazza dei Cinquecento. This square is overlooked by that fine example of modern Italian architecture, Termini train station, with its striking canopy by Italian engineer and architect Pier Luigi Nervi and, on the opposite side, part of the monumental Terme di Diocleziano. Another key feature is a historic crossing such as the bold, metal 19th-century Ponte dell'Industria bridge, which has been dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi since December 2025. Another major work is the contemporary Tor Vergata motorway viaduct, which hosted the Youth Jubilee in August, together with the elevated section of Rome's eastern beltway, which is a major infrastructure project from the 1960s that, with its suspended modernity, has been the background and protagonist of numerous movie productions.
This series of recognisable and visible interventions, some of which have a strong impact, is accompanied by an incalculable and less visible number of road redevelopment works, ranging from extraordinary maintenance of the pavement of the main Roman “consular roads” to that of minor roads and connections. These activities also include the maintenance of green areas, cleaning and verification of the hydraulic functionality of the rainwater drainage network, as well as lighting systems, vertical and horizontal signage and acoustic and dividing barriers, all carried out by Anas to ensure maximum safety and sustainability.
Anas' mission is characterised by constant and immeasurable work. The goal is to create safer and more welcoming roads, which will become Italy's visiting card in a context where mobility is becoming increasingly essential for connecting different people and worlds.
NASA Nepal Submits Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility Recommendations to Major Political Parties Ahead of General Elections
As Nepal stands on the threshold of a national general election, political parties have begun making public their commitments through election manifestos. However, in recent years, many critical public concerns—particularly those related to road safety, sustainable mobility, public health and transport governance—have remained marginalised or inadequately addressed within political agendas.
In response, a broad coalition of civil society actors working directly and indirectly in the fields of automobiles, road safety, sustainable roads and safe transportation has jointly submitted a policy recommendation document to Nepal’s major political parties. The initiative represents the collective voice of a number of organisations, victim families, subject-matter experts, journalists and road safety campaigners, advocating for the rightful inclusion of these issues in national political commitments.
The recommendation paper was led by the Nepal Automobiles’ Association (NASA Nepal) in collaboration with the National Alliance for Safe and Sustainable Mobility–Nepal, NASA Foundation and Swatantrata Abhiyan Nepal. The document was formally submitted to major political parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN–UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). Additionally, the recommendations were presented to other political parties such as the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Progressive Democratic Party (PDPN) and the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party Nepal (LSP), on behalf of Nepali experts and professional communities working globally in these sectors.
The submission emphasizes that building a prosperous, civilised and modern Nepal requires strong political commitment to the following priority areas:
- The right to safe and fear-free mobility.
- The right to health and injury prevention.
- Safe, organised, reliable and regular public transport.
- Alignment with relevant United Nations conventions and global road safety commitments.
- Implementation of long-pending laws, regulations and programs.
- Enactment of a comprehensive Road Safety Act.
- Establishment of a Road Safety Council.
- Reforms related to the International Driving Permit (IDP) system.
- Consumer protection and human rights within the transport and mobility sector.
Senior leaders from major political parties received the recommendation document and acknowledged its importance. Among them were Mr. Dev Raj Chaalise, Spokesperson of the Nepali Congress; Mr. D.P. Aryal, Vice-Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Mr. Ram Bahadur Thapa “Badal”, Vice-Chair of CPN–UML. They expressed a shared commitment to incorporate these critical issues into their respective party manifestos, recognising their significance in the construction of a modern, inclusive and sustainable Nepal.
RoadTrace by AISIN selected as innovation partner in national ROMO programme to support safer and smarter road management in the Netherlands
Brussels, 6 January 2026 – RoadTrace by AISIN has been selected as one of eleven innovation partners in the national Road Monitor (ROMO) programme, a large-scale public–private initiative aimed at improving road safety and optimising road maintenance across the Netherlands using anonymised vehicle data.
ROMO is a collaboration for and by road authorities, supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management with the expertise of the National Road Traffic Data Portal (NDW) and TNO. Over the next four years (2026–2029), the programme will bring together road authorities and industry partners to develop seven data-driven information services focused on road safety, asset management, and extreme weather conditions.
As part of the programme, RoadTrace by AISIN will contribute its expertise in connected vehicle data, behavioural risk analysis, and predictive safety insights. By analysing anonymised data from millions of vehicles equipped with advanced sensors, RoadTrace helps road authorities gain early visibility of emerging risks, such as harsh braking patterns, reduced grip, or early-stage road surface degradation.
“Being selected as a ROMO innovation partner is a strong recognition of RoadTrace’s role in the future of data-driven road management,” said the François Poncet, General Manager of RoadTrace by AISIN. “Road authorities across Europe are under growing pressure to improve safety while managing ageing infrastructure more efficiently. With RoadTrace, we enable a shift from reactive interventions to predictive, evidence-based decision-making, helping authorities act earlier, prioritise smarter, and ultimately save lives.”
A key objective of ROMO is to transform anonymised vehicle data into reliable, actionable information services that road authorities can directly use in their daily operations and long-term planning. These services will support:
- early detection of road surface deterioration and maintenance needs,
- timely identification of hazardous conditions such as slipperiness due to weather, and
- proactive identification of locations where road safety is under pressure, including near-miss hotspots.
Participating road authorities will be able to access these services free of charge until 2029, contributing their operational knowledge and feedback to continuously improve data quality and usability. The collaborative approach ensures that solutions are developed with road authorities, not just for them, strengthening trust, relevance, and real-world impact.
RoadTrace by AISIN builds on more than 40 years of GPS car navigation system technology for automotive within AISIN, part of the Toyota Group. Through RoadTrace, connected vehicle intelligence is extended beyond the vehicle itself to support safer infrastructure, more resilient road networks, and progress toward Vision Zero goals.
ROMO represents a major step forward in scaling the use of anonymised vehicle data for public good, turning everyday vehicle movements into insights that hopefully help road authorities manage roads more safely, sustainably, and cost-effectively.
Vanuatu Appoints TRL to Implement Climate-Resilient iROADS Road Asset Management software
The Government of Vanuatu has selected TRL to implement and roll out its iROADS Road Asset Management system to strengthen the country’s transport network. This initiative marks an important step towards building a more climate-resilient, sustainable, and well-maintained road system, helping Vanuatu plan, manage, and protect its infrastructure in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and west of Fiji, Vanuatu is an island nation with a road network of approximately 2,900 kilometres, the majority of which are unsealed and vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather. Strengthening this network is essential for national connectivity, disaster response, and economic development.
Under the new commission, funded by the World Bank under the Vanuatu Climate Resilient Transport Project, TRL will collaborate closely with the Vanuatu Public Works Department to enhance the climate resilience of the national road system and optimise the maintenance process. The programme will also help to ensure the country has the capacity to respond effectively to future crises or emergencies affecting transport infrastructure.
The project involves the full configuration and deployment of the iROADS system, comprehensive data collection across Vanuatu’s core road network, and the generation of multi-year maintenance and investment plans to support sustainable decision-making. A critical component of the work will be the institutionalisation of asset management practices and extensive training to build local technical capability within Vanuatu’s transport sector.
TRL will be supported by partners NTRO (National Transport Research Organisation) and Experion Technologies, whose expertise in infrastructure management and digital systems respectively will strengthen the delivery of this ambitious programme. Together, the partners will provide an integrated approach that combines advanced technology, field data, and local knowledge to improve the country’s infrastructure resilience.
As one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, Vanuatu faces frequent challenges from tropical cyclones, earthquakes, flooding, sea level rise and coastal inundation which can exacerbate these problems. The introduction of iROADS will enable the government to adopt a more data-driven approach to managing its road assets, prioritising maintenance and investment where it is most needed, and strengthening long-term resilience against natural disasters.
“We are proud to partner with the Government of Vanuatu in delivering sustainable, data-driven solutions for their road network,” said Subu Kamal, Head of Product for TRL Software. “This project reflects TRL’s ongoing commitment to helping island nations build climate-resilient infrastructure that supports communities, trade, and disaster preparedness.”
Andre Iautipu, Acting Director: Public Works Department, MIPU, Vanuatu said “This Initiative with TRL marks an important milestone in delivering on the goals of Vanuatu 2030, The People’s Plan, our National Sustainable Development Plan for 2016–2030. By implementing the iROADS system, we are advancing our vision for a stable, sustainable, and prosperous Vanuatu. A resilient and well-managed road network underpins national connectivity, supports inclusive economic growth, and strengthens our capacity to respond to the increasing impacts of climate change. The iROADS project will help us make data-driven decisions that secure a better future for our people.”
This collaboration will establish iROADS as a key component of Vanuatu’s national transport strategy and demonstrate how evidence-based planning can support climate adaptation and inclusive economic growth across the Pacific region.
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About NTRO
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) collaborates with all levels of government, transport agencies, consultants, and private sector organisations on all aspects of transport and mobility in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. NTRO is innovation driven, delivering innovative transport solutions that are safer, more sustainable and value-for-money.
About Experion Technologies
Experion Technologies is an AI-native Product Engineering and Digital Transformation company with 1,650+ digital experts and a strong presence across Europe. With five global offices, Experion has partnered with 500+ clients and delivered 350+ products across 37 countries.
The company works with leading organizations across Healthcare, Banking and Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, Transport & Logistics, and EdTech, helping them modernize legacy systems, adopt cloud technologies, and build resilient, future-ready digital products.
Experion’s excellence has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan, Clutch, Inc. 5000, Everest Group, the Dallas 100 by SMU Cox, DBJ’s Fast 50, and an Honourable Mention at Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards. Experion is also a Great Place to Work–certified company for four consecutive years.
About World Bank
The World Bank Group is a multilateral development institution whose mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a liveable planet. It provides financing, technical assistance and knowledge to support projects that promote sustainable economic development and improve quality of life in low- and middle-income countries.