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Autobahn GmbH des Bundes will start nationwide winter service on November 1st
The Autobahn GmbH des Bundes (Federal Highway Company) officially starts the 2025/26 winter season . From November 1st, comprehensive winter maintenance will begin on over 13,000 kilometers of motorway to ensure safety in snow, ice and slippery conditions
Around 6,300 road maintenance workers are on call nationwide – around the clock, seven days a week, . They monitor road conditions, react promptly, and carry out targeted measures – from preventative salting and brine application to snow removal .
“The safety of road users is our top priority. Our teams are well prepared and ensure that the motorways remain reliably passable even in adverse weather conditions,” explains Andy Apfelstädt , Head of Operations at Autobahn GmbH.
Technology and logistics prepared for winter operation
The highway maintenance depots have completed their preparations: Approximately 1,450 specialized vehicles have been converted for winter operations and are ready for deployment. In total, Autobahn GmbH has
310 salt storage facilities , 112 salt silos , and 377 brine tanks for storing winter service materials.
In the western branch , which also includes southern Hesse, around 43,000 tons of salt are available at 51 storage locations – an important basis for winter operations on the motorways in the region.
Efficient and environmentally friendly with modern spreading technology
Thanks to modern spreading technology, Autobahn GmbH is increasingly relying on liquid spreading with FS100 , a 100% salt solution . This method ensures even distribution, extended effectiveness, and saves resources:
Depending on the weather, only 15 to 20 grams of salt needed per square meter – about three teaspoons .
Compared to conventional spreading techniques, the amount of salt used preventively can reduced by up to 70 percent . This is more economical and environmentally friendly .
Brine spreading is optimal at temperatures down to minus 6 degrees Celsius FS30 , a mixture of brine and moistened road salt, is used – it adheres better to the road surface and combats ice more quickly.
Cooperation for safe highways
The success of winter road maintenance also depends on the behavior of road users.
The Autobahn GmbH (Federal Highway Company) requests that do not overtake snowplow convoys – that is, columns of several snowplows and gritters . Equally important are adjusting your speed , driving with anticipation , and using a winter-ready vehicle .
Only through the interplay of professional winter maintenance and prudent driving behavior can the motorways remain safe and efficient to drive on.
(RED/Autobahn GmbH)
Featured image: Autobahn GmbH
