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Not only does the road closure slow down traffic, but the lives of the workers are also at risk during the highway renovation. The new development of the Swiss road maintenance agency, the Astra Bridge, a rolling bridge, offers a solution to both problems. According to experts, for safety reasons, larger road sections must always be closed during renovations than should be repaired. Although it is also necessary to close a section of road to install the Astra, this can be done relatively quickly: a single weekend when there is less traffic is enough. The elements of the bridge are trucked to the site and assembled there. The bridge is 257 meters long and 7.57 meters wide, and railings protect motorists from falling.
The ramps at both ends make going up and down smoother. A speed limit is still necessary: motorists can drive through it at a maximum of 60 km/h. However, this is a smaller sacrifice for drivers than having to close a lane for a long time, which would cause congestion. The height of the overpass is 4.65 meters, so workers can comfortably fit under it while working. Another advantage is that it protects them from accidents, sun and rain. Although it is likely to be noisy to work under, the speed limit reduces the noise level. When a section is finished, a hydraulic jack raises the bridge 10 centimeters so it can roll on its wheels to the next section.
Almost all vehicles and trucks can drive onto the overpass, they do not have to choose another lane. For more interesting information, follow the Facebook page of the HVG Tech section.
