Är bredplogen ett effektivt hjälpmedel vid snöröjning?

In the Swedish winter snow removal and de-icing is an important part of the operations and maintenance work on Sweden´s roads. They are short term but necessary measures for accessibility and safety during the winter months. The snow plows used are one in front, one on the right side of the vehicle and sometimes one under the vehicle. On highways and 2+1-ways a wider side plow is used to make a more efficient work since the wider side plow makes it possible to plow a wider area of the road then with the standard plow. The purpose of this study is to compare the pros and cons of the standard plow and the wider plow operating range of Peab South and West. If possible, identify were the wide plow is more profitable than the standard plow. Today, Sweden is divided in to 130 operational areas. Trafikverket procure contractors to the operation and maintenance of the roads in each area. Peab is responsible for the roads are kept fit and safe all year around in 19 of these operating areas. Peab follows the script ATB Vinter 2003 which is developed by Vägverket. ATB Vinter 2003 contains definitions of various terms used in the winter, and the demands placed on the contractor for winter road maintenance to be approved. Weather Stations, VVIS and information pages from Sweden, Norway and Denmark’s Metrological and Hydrological Institute is used to anticipate when snow removal is to be done. The manager of Peab initiates snow removal, following approved road work is done in consultation between the drivers, managers and an inspector on road. The method of this study is based on a literature review, documentation of snow removal operations (GPS, snow and deicing operations), the injury register STRADA and a survey among drivers and supervision. The results show that a comparison between wide and standard plow was difficult to perform such due lack of documentation and data for analysis. The general feeling among the drivers and work management is the wide plow deemed effective on highways where the barriers and interactions with other vehicles are at its lowest. Standard plow perceived smoother on 2 +1-roads where the extra width on the wide plow prevents accessibility. Generally, winter road maintenance seems to be of good standard, an increase of accidents during the winter months cannot be shown. To obtain a better comparison, better cost control and more efficient snow removal work recommends a more detailed and continuous GPS follow-up and personnel education. Keywords: wider plow, snow removal, operations at Swedish roads during the winte