Brunei commissions transport master plan

Atkins is to help develop the first transport master plan for Brunei. The multi-modal strategy will cover road, rail and river transport and will be aimed at boosting the country's economy while minimising environmental impacts.

Working alongside lead consultant SQW China Limited, Atkins aims to create an integrated, efficient, safe sustainable plan for the country's transport network. This will be in line with Brunei's 'Vision 2035' strategy to diversify the country's economy.

Chris Birdsong, chief executive officer for Atkins in Asia Pacific said, "The work on the transport modes master plan is vital to the success of Brunei's overall vision for its development."

Atkins' team comprises staff from its Asia Pacific, Middle East and the UK transport planning businesses. The scope of the work will include traffic forecasting and strategies for major transport corridors, key schemes and a final "built out" land transport network for Brunei in 2035, implementation planning, setting out practical, financial, infrastructural and governance requirements for delivery over the short, medium, and long term.

Brunei's aspirations include improving connectivity between cities and across borders with a safe, efficient and affordable modern transport system, providing greater access to jobs and services. The proposed new strategy will form part of a formal White Paper set to be introduced in 2013, and linked to wider national economic, social and environmental goals.