with expert Philipp Rüttimann of Gebietseinheit VI, Switzerland
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Summary
This conversation is about the operation and maintenance of national roads in Eastern Switzerland. It explains how the organization of maintenance is structured between the federal government and the cantons, and how the collaboration functions. The discussion presents the various areas and components of operation and maintenance, including winter services, cleaning, landscaping, and technical services. It explores the potential and challenges of new technologies, particularly with regard to autonomous driving and the integration of digital tools. The conversation also addresses pricing, sustainability aspects, and the challenges of being an employer.
Takeaways
- The operation and maintenance of the national roads in Eastern Switzerland is organized in collaboration between the federal government and the cantons.
- Maintenance includes various tasks such as winter services, cleaning, landscaping, and technical services.
- New technologies offer potential for efficiency gains but also require resources and training.
- Digitalization and the use of tools can simplify maintenance and improve communication.
- Sustainability aspects such as biodiversity and decarbonization are playing an increasingly important role in road maintenance.
Introduction
This episodes is dedicated to the work of the people that ensure the daily operation and upkeep of our infrastructure. In the private sector, this is often known as Facility Management, but when it comes to roads, it’s typically the responsibility of construction departments within the federal states or cantons. In 2008, when the Swiss Federal Office for Roads was established, the 26 Swiss cantons formed 11 territorial units to manage the operation and maintenance of national roads and highways. Today, we’re speaking with the head of one of those units, District 6, and its leader, Philipp Rüttemann. Philipp is a civil engineer who has previously worked at Benzinger Partner AG as a project manager and spent 12 years at Janssen AG, where he led the Billings Systems division.
1. Organizational Structure
National road maintenance in Switzerland is organized across 11 districts, with District VI covering Eastern Switzerland. While these districts are part of the cantonal administration, they work under agreements with the Swiss Federal Roads Office (ASTRA). District VI covers the cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Glarus, with some maintenance subcontracted to specific cantonal authorities.
2. Operation and Maintenance Activities
The maintenance tasks in District VI are divided into various subcategories:
- Winter Services: Involving snow removal and de-icing within a 30-minute response time and a two-hour completion time.
- Cleaning: Encompasses road cleaning, tunnel cleaning, and the upkeep of rest areas.
- Landscaping: Includes mowing and maintaining clear visibility of road signs.
- Technical Services: This involves monitoring and maintaining tunnels, safety systems, and communications equipment.
- Structural Inspections: Regular inspections of infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels, to ensure safety and identify repairs.
3. Technological Advancements
The interview highlights the role of technology in improving maintenance efficiency. Topics discussed include:
- Autonomous Vehicles: Potential to automate tasks like signal vehicle management and traffic monitoring.
- Digital Tools: ASTRA’s move toward using digital platforms for structural inspections and reporting, reducing paperwork and facilitating better data management.
- Infrastructure Security: With digitalization comes increased risk of cyber threats, requiring enhanced security measures.
4. Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing concern. ASTRA aims to phase out fossil fuels by 2025 for vehicles under 3.5 tons and by 2030 for larger vehicles. District VI is experimenting with electric trucks for winter services, with the first electric truck expected to arrive in late 2024. The district is also considering biodiverse landscaping and the use of digital technology to minimize environmental impact.
5. Resource Management Challenges
District VI faces challenges in resource management, including:
- Staff Flexibility: Increased nighttime work and emergency on-call shifts make it challenging to attract and retain employees. Efforts are being made to allow for more flexible work arrangements to accommodate part-time employees.
- Infrastructure Adaptations: The need for additional infrastructure to accommodate a flexible workforce, such as more locker rooms and parking spaces.