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Winter service in Oberhavel: cyclists have to fight for survival!
The winter service in Oberhavel is preparing for challenges, while cycle paths are at risk due to a lack of staff and winter conditions.
Winter service in Oberhavel: cyclists have to fight for survival!
The winter months are just around the corner in Oberhavel and preparations for winter service are already in full swing. Gunnar Jandt, the head of the Nassenheide road maintenance department, is responsible for around 260 kilometers of state roads in the region and ensures that all road users are safe on the roads. He has been working in this role since 2017 and has taken the necessary measures throughout the year.
Around 1,000 tons of coarse-grained salt mixed with an anti-caking agent are stored in the warehouse on Oranienburger Strasse. This material is used depending on the weather conditions. So you usually only expect real winter in the months of January and February. In order to prepare the roads in good time for any onset of winter, the German Weather Service (DWD) informs the road maintenance department in good time.
Challenges of winter service
Jandt has a small fleet of 5 vehicles per shift, supported by a total of 25 employees. The season is particularly challenging due to the loss of two external partners who previously helped with snow removal and could not be replaced this year. This has a major impact on the efficiency of winter service and could mean that in extreme cases not all cycle paths can be cleared of ice and snow in a timely manner.
The road maintenance department only has one vehicle at its disposal to remove ice and snow from the bicycle routes. This lack of resources is a cause for concern, especially for cyclists in the region. Sven Krein, a committed bicycle activist and member of the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), expresses his concerns and criticizes the fact that in Germany bicycle paths are often given less priority when clearing than the roads for drivers. In many other countries there is a greater focus on the safety of cyclists.
The winter service in Oberhavel
The Nassenheide road maintenance department plays a central role in the region's road maintenance service, which not only takes care of winter road maintenance, but also general road maintenance. These include measures such as route maintenance and road renovations, which are essential for safe traffic flow. Responsibility for road safety extends to all types of transport – from cars to buses to bicycles.
Nevertheless, the burden on the road maintenance department remains high. Maintaining the roadside greenery and visually inspecting signs and traffic signs are also part of their area of responsibility and require good skills to ensure road safety.
The coming months will show how well the winter service is prepared to meet the challenges. Cyclists and drivers alike depend on the good work of the road maintenance department to get through the cold season safely. Everyone should be aware that the staff of these authorities do their best every day to clear the roads of snow and ice and thus ensure mobility in the region.
For further information about the winter service organization in Oberhavel, visit [MAZ Online](https://www.maz-online.de/lokales/oberhavel/schnee-und-eis-so- Preparet-sich-der-winterdienst-in-oberhavel-vor-engpass-auf-den-radwegen-SSCI7UVDU5DAJDCWYDQQ4JFZCY.html) as well Local Service.