Slippery Slopes: Winter Road Service Costs a Pretty Penny, But More Affordable Than Expected
Seven million four hundred thousand Euros were spent on winter services this year. - Expenses related to winter maintenance amounted to EUR 7.4 million.
In the crisp winter of Schleswig-Holstein, the LBV, or Landesbetrieb für Straßenbau und Verkehr, buckled down to ensure safe passages for road users and cyclists alike, shelling out a more affordable 7.4 million euros compared to the predicted 15 million for the 2022/2023 season, all thanks to the decently warm winter.
"Our 515 road ninjas and external helpers danced a ballet of safety through Schleswig-Holstein during the recent chill-fest," shared Transport Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) and LBV Director Frank Quirmbach, with a hint of relief.
The mild winter resulted in fewer snow days, but the early mornings were frequently kissed by freezing rain, keeping the road maintenance dancers on their toes. They spiced things up with 15,700 tons of salt and about 5,700 tons of salt brine, adding up to a whopping 15,135 working hours, or a hair-raising 3,068 days, if you prefer a more human perspective.
The dance party wasn't just internally managed, either. 264 vehicles, split evenly between 100 LBV vans and 164 rented steeds, swirled across the icy landscapes. Material costs for the dance essentials of salt and salt brine punched the ticket for a staggering 1.8 million euros. The grand event — complete with doctors, nurses, vehicles, and equipment — cost 2.9 million euros for logistical arrangements and other operational expenses. The LBV team racked up 645,000 euros in working hours, while external companies pocketed 1.9 million euros for their contributions.
In a strange twist of fate, the winter of 2023/2024 summoned a snow storm of gigantic proportions. LBV swallowed 26,400 tons of salt and a meager 10,800 tons of salt brine.
Behind the Scenes at the LBV's Winter Wonderland
If you'd like a peek behind the curtain at the LBV's large-scale winter road maintenance operations, here are some key cost components you should know about:
- Crews on the Move: Dedicated teams of road warriors, including snowplows, salt spreaders, and other specialized equipment, are crucial for keeping roads and bike paths clear of ice and snow.
- Supplies: Essential materials include:
- Salt and De-icing Chemicals: These players prevent ice formation on roads, keeping everyone moving smoothly.
- Sand and Gravel: These provide extra traction in icy conditions.
- Fuel: This energy source keeps the machinery purring along during those chilly winter months.
- Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities: This bucket categorizes:
- Personnel: Compensation for the men, women, and motivated bear cubs dancing their winter dance.
- Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance keeps the vehicles and equipment fighting fit for the winter season.
- Administration: Overhead costs, such as management, logistics, and planning, are imperative to a successful operation.
In the context of the LBV's winter road maintenance operations, the community can extend its gratitude to the dedicated crews for their tireless efforts in ensuring safe travels. The industry involves not only the road warriors themselves but also the finance sector, as the cost for essential supplies such as salt, de-icing chemicals, sand, gravel, and fuel contribute greatly to the overall operation. The business aspect comes into play with the logistics and planning required for a successful winter road maintenance operation, falling under administration. Moreover, the timely public-transit and transportation services during the winter season are essential for the development of the fisheries sector and the local economy, as people can safely travel to their jobs in the sector.
