The Association of Infrastructure Conservation and Operation Companies (Acex) held the 21st edition of the National Acex Award for Safety in Conservation in Madrid – one of the sector’s most prestigious events.  

The jury included Sorigué’s proposal among the finalist projects “for its outstanding technical quality and significant contribution to safety in conservation.”  

The group entered the competition with a personal protective equipment (PPE) item specifically designed to safeguard the health and safety of workers on two-way roads, dual-carriageways, motorways, airports, and their surrounding areas. Thanks to its design and manufacturing materials, this equipment provides the highest level of protection required by current European regulations.  

Elsamex Gestión de Infraestructuras won the Jesús Valdecantos Award in the associates category for a solution that analyses real-time traffic in high-demand tunnels, while Metalesa Seguridad Vial received the award in the general category for developing an intelligent device that detects risk situations on roads.  

The ceremony took place at the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineers in Madrid, with notable attendees including Juan Pedro Fernández Palomino, Director General of Roads; Ana Blanco Bergareche, Deputy Assistant Director of Mobility at the DGT; María Jesús Bravo, First Vice President of the College of Technical Public Works Engineers; and Federico Soria, President of Acex.  

Barrier against harmful substances  

Made from BizTex SMS fabric, Sorigué’s ST36 high-visibility coverall provides a highly effective protective barrier against dangerous particles that could harm human health or the environment, without compromising worker mobility or comfort during tasks.

In the context of road maintenance, this PPE is recommended when handling chemicals used in road upkeep or when removing animal-origin organic waste that may pose health risks.  

Key design features include elastic cuffs and an ergonomic hood for a secure fit; a double-slider zipper for quick and easy access; and reflective tape that ensures immediate visibility of workers, even at night.  

Compatible and complementary to other signage and beaconing systems, this equipment is cost-effective, making it easy to implement across all types of conservation works.  

Safer roads  

The Association of Conservation and Operation of Infrastructures (Acex) was founded in April 1995 with the goal of contributing to efficient and sustainable infrastructure maintenance. It currently has 31 member companies, and one of its most recognised initiatives is this annual award, which encourages projects that enhance the safety of both infrastructure users and workers.  

Sorigué’s Infrastructure and Materials division has a specialised line in comprehensive conservation of roads, motorways, rail, and airport infrastructure. It employs highly qualified personnel, equipment for winter road services, and nationwide operational capacity.  

Currently, Sorigué is responsible for the maintenance and operation of 268,876 km of roads in the western metropolitan area of Barcelona; it carries out rehabilitation works on six roads passing through seven municipalities in Valencia and one in Cuenca; and it is part of the joint venture managing and maintaining the 428 km of roads, 25 double tunnels, and 179 structures of Catalonia’s Eix Transversal, among other conservation contracts.