Climate change: action plan to protect infrastructures
With climate change, the frequency of heat waves, rock falls and rock slips – and therefore the amount of damage done to transport infrastructures – is rising. In Switzerland, this development can cost up to CHF 1 billion per year, the Swiss federal department of the environment, transport, energy and communication (DETEC) says.
DETEC estimates that the costs of repairing the railways and roads alone amount to a three-digit million sum. Add to that the investments into making the roads more resistant against the effects of heat and cold.
Extreme temperatures also require a reduction in the speed of the trains, which raises the costs related to delays. DETEC is now preparing an action plan with protective measures which shall be included in land-use planning procedures. (ben)