“Winter can come: Our road maintenance departments have made all the necessary preparations over the past few months to be ready for snow and ice,” says Ronald Stolz, head of the Roads Division at the Ludwigsburg District Office. “The equipment has been inspected, the salt storage facilities are full, and our staff are ready to ensure the safest possible road conditions when needed.”
4,000 metric tons of road salt in storage
The three road maintenance depots in Ludwigsburg, Vaihingen an der Enz, and Besigheim, together with an additional base in Korntal-Münchingen, have approximately 4,000 metric tons of road salt in stock. By way of comparison: In an average winter, about 3,000 metric tons are needed.
Snow-removal and de-icing vehicles ready to go
The vehicle fleet is also prepared for the coming months. In addition to twelve of the department’s own snow removal and deicing vehicles—four per road maintenance depot—eight additional vehicles from contracted haulage companies are available. In October, the vehicles and their attachments—including snow plows and spreading equipment—were inspected and outfitted for winter service.
Winter Road Maintenance on Approximately 700 Kilometers
During the winter season, approximately 60 employees handle winter maintenance on about 700 kilometers of federal, state, and county roads in the district. Depending on weather conditions, operations begin as early as the early morning hours, often around 3:30 a.m. In the event of persistent winter weather, the teams remain on duty beyond daytime hours and, if necessary, around the clock.
“Winter road maintenance means responding flexibly to the prevailing weather conditions. Our employees make an important contribution to traffic safety throughout the district—often long before the morning rush hour begins,” said Stolz.
Early Operations for Greater Traffic Safety
To ensure the roads are as safe as possible for drivers, the winter road maintenance teams often begin their work at night. The crews monitor weather developments and continuously adjust their measures to the conditions
. Rapid intervention is crucial, especially when icy conditions arise suddenly.
Weather Stations Support Operational Planning
Up-to-date weather information is a key foundation for winter road maintenance. Precise forecasts and the road department’s own small weather stations at various road sections help road maintenance crews better assess the situation on the ground and plan their operations effectively.
Well Prepared for the Winter Season
With these preparations in place, the road maintenance departments in the Ludwigsburg district are ready for the winter season. The goal remains to keep the roads as safe and passable as possible, even in snow and ice.
