Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineers have developed a new system, dubbed RoadRunner, which uses GPS-style turn-by-turn directions to route drivers around congested roadways. In simulations using data supplied by Singapore’s Land Transit Authority, the researchers compared their system to one currently in use in Singapore, which charges drivers with dashboard-mounted transponders a toll for entering congested areas. The Singapore system gauges drivers’ locations with radio ...

  A longer, more aerodynamic cab with better vision for lorry drivers could save the lives of hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians, according to a new study by academics at Loughborough University’s Design School. The proposed new cab, 80cm longer with a rounded nose, smaller dashboard, expanded glazed areas, and a slightly lower driver position, could drastically reduce blind spots around the lorry. The ‘Direct Vision’ lorry concept would increase the driver’s field of view in front ...

  Author: Paul MacDonald MIEI, CEng, executive engineer/training officer, Kildare National Roads Office The M7 Naas Bypass Motorway opened on 4 October 1983. It was the first motorway road in the state. The scheme consisted of 12km of dual carriageway and five major bridges, including key structures at the Rathangan Road, Maudlins Interchange and the Grand Canal. The 30th anniversary of the opening of the M7 Naas Bypass was commemorated by a recent lecture in Kildare County Council ...

  The Irish Academy of Engineering has issued its latest Energy Policy Advisory to Government. It contains 15 recommendations which, it estimates, could reduce both 2020 transport energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by over 15% below current predictions – and at relatively modest overall cost to the Exchequer. The challenge, according to the Academy, is to work towards Ireland’s ‘20-20-20’ climate-change commitments in the context of economic recovery and to enhance personal ...

  Authors: Alan Kavanagh, technical manager, Atlantic Bitumen Ltd; Gearóid Lohan, general manager, Atlantic Bitumen Ltd; and Ali Salih, technical manager, Casey Enterprises Ltd Ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) is a by-product slag material from the iron and steel industry. For many years now, GGBS has been used as a partial replacement of conventional Portland cement in concrete to enhance the performance of concrete. This replacement brings advantages including increased ...

  Authors: Desmond O'Connor, National Roads Authority; Clodagh Staunton, PMCE Consulting Engineers; and Louise Doherty, Roadplan Consulting A report was commissioned by the National Roads Authority (NRA) in 2012 to examine how collision data is collected in Ireland. This report, entitled ‘Contributory factors analysis for road traffic collisions’, aimed to identify gaps in the data collected about contributory factors for road traffic collisions. Since formal collision records began in ...