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Alb-Donau-Kreis ready for winter: New technology to combat slippery conditions!
The Alb-Donau district is preparing for winter: 70 road guards, modern technology and 6,000 tons of salt are ready.
Alb-Donau-Kreis ready for winter: New technology to combat slippery conditions!
With winter just around the corner, the Alb-Donau district is properly preparing for the cold season. All preparations have been made in the road maintenance depots in Ehingen, Ulm, Langenau and Merklingen. The weather forecasts show that frost and precipitation, possibly even light snow, can be expected from the middle of next week. Those responsible have taken precautions to ensure that the roads remain safe to drive on even in winter conditions.
The measures are currently concentrating on the technical inspection of the winter service vehicles and the training of around 70 road maintenance workers who are responsible for maintaining 1,019 kilometers of roads. The salt stores are filled with around 6,000 tonnes, with the average requirement in winter being around 10,000 tonnes. In order to be prepared for all eventualities, the district has 14 vehicles available, and it is possible to rent up to 22 additional winter service vehicles if the weather conditions require it.
New spreading technologies in use
Particularly noteworthy is the use of the innovative wet salt technology FS 30, which is made up of 70% rock salt and 30% brine. In addition, the FS-100 technology is now being used across the board. This is a pure liquid de-icing agent that consists of sodium chloride. This method allows for more precise dosing and significantly reduces wastage, which in turn increases effectiveness in the fight against slippery conditions. The big advantage: The brine can often be applied at midday, even when the sun is shining, and thus prevents slippery surfaces at an early stage - this actively prevents the formation of ice.
The motivation behind these new technologies is clear: effective winter road maintenance not only protects road users, but also reduces salt consumption and thus environmental pollution. Similar experiences have already been made at the road maintenance depots of the Passau State Building Authority, where the FS 100 spreading technology has been used for seven years. During a recent exchange of experiences, those responsible confirmed the positive effects of this innovative method, which has proven to be extremely beneficial.
Winter service in a practical test
Despite all these preparatory measures, one challenge remains in winter: weather-related restrictions often cannot be completely avoided. When there is heavy snowfall, road maintenance departments have to set priorities and clear high-importance traffic routes first. In addition, frost and ice are to be expected locally during rush hour, which is why an appeal is being made to all road users: adapt your driving style to the weather conditions in order to reach your destination safely.
With these measures and technologies, the Alb-Donau district is well prepared for the challenges of the winter months. A good hand in planning will be crucial to ensure that the roads remain safe to drive on, even in difficult weather conditions.
Further details about winter service and the technologies used can be found in exciting reports, such as from SWP and that Passau State Building Authority.