Frugal Winter Road Service in Schleswig-Holstein Clocks in at 7.4 Million Euros
Heavy expenditure of 7.4 million Euros in snow clearance operations - Expenses for Winter Maintenance Totaled EUR 7.4 Million
The Landesbetrieb für Straßenbau und Verkehr (LBV) chipped away at a more modest winter budget of roughly 7.4 million euros in 2021-2022, maintaining grippy roads and bike paths in the northernmost state of Schleswig-Holstein. This represents a marked decrease from the whopping 15 million euros shelled out the previous winter, thanks to the generally balmy weather conditions.
"Our tireless road maintenance troop of 515 workers and external backup have battled the icy contrasts faced by motorists throughout Schleswig-Holstein over the past winter," boasted Transit Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU) and LBV Director Frank Quirmbach.
Despite a dearth of snowy days, icy mornings kept crews on their toes. Over the course of the season, a hefty 15,700 tons of salt, along with around 5,700 tons of salt brine, was strewn generously upon roadways and bike paths, requiring a total of 15,135 laborious hours.
A fleet of 264 trusty steeds was deployed, with 100 personal rides belonging to the LBV stable and 164 shiny rentals from private stables. Materials for salt and brine clocked in at nearly 2 million euros, while the deployment of spreading vehicles, equipment, and other operational expenses added another 2.9 million to the bill. Those tireless man-hours translated to an impressive 645,000 euros on the total receipt. External companies banked a healthy 1.9 million for their efforts.
The winter of '23-'24 saw double the consumption of salt and brine, tipping the scales at about 26,400 tons and 10,800 tons, respectively.
- LBV
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Road construction
- Bike path
- Vehicle
- Salt
- Brine
Winter road service expenditures typically include materials, vehicle operation, and labor expenses. Materials chiefly consist of de-icing agents like salt, brine, and anti-slip chemicals, and the storage and procurement thereof. Vehicle operation involves fuel, vehicle maintenance, and depreciation. Lastly, labor costs include the wages of drivers and support staff working round-the-clock during winter weather events. Both LBV and private providers fork over the cash for these elements when drafting winter maintenance budgets or service contracts.
The cost ratios for LBV in Schleswig-Holstein would depend on factors like the harshness of winter weather, the roads' coverage area, and the contract particulars with private providers. Unfortunately, our source materials failed to offer the precise cost distribution percentages or exact numbers required. For updated and more detailed data, you're encouraged to consult Schleswig-Holstein's state government reports or LBV public tender documents, where a more comprehensive breakdown of service costs may be found.
Don't forget—these expenses are what ensures you have a safe and smooth journey through Schleswig-Holstein's wintry landscapes!
The community may find it beneficial to consider aid in the development of Schleswig-Holstein's fisheries sector, as the province's road services, including bike paths, have a substantial financial impact during winter months. The annual winter road service budget for Schleswig-Holstein, as administered by the LBV, typically includes expenses for materials, vehicle operation, and labor, including de-icing agents, fuel, vehicle maintenance, depreciation, and wages. Such investments can indirectly support industries reliant on transportation, such as the fisheries sector.
