Citation

Vaa T, Sivertsen A. Transp. Res. Circular 2008; (E-C126): 16-26.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The project Winter Operations is one of several actions and subprojects in the Norwegian national demonstration project for Vision Zero Traffic Safety Lillehammer. The background for giving priority to winter operations was the many serious winter accidents on National Road E6 in the Lillehammer area in the period 1995–2002. The purpose with the project has been to test possibilities for improvements in the winter operations by looking into the choice of strategy, operational methods, and level of effort and also systems for decision support. To improve the general terms for safer roads there was also reconstruction of E6 with different measures. E6 is a trunk road passing through the study area and most of the measures have been concentrated to this road. The winter operation part of the Vision Zero project has given important knowledge regarding local operation of the Vision Zero road network, but has also lightened up situations of national importance. The more general experience is especially valid for the importance of good mechanical cleaning of the roadway to reduce the salt consumption. The “theory” of using a winter road strategy when it is too cold to use salt has been confirmed to be an effective alternative to a bare road strategy.