We are entering the winter period, which is conducive to snowfall and ice on the 250 km of road and cycle pathsas well as the 440 km of sidewalks and pedestrian paths of the city of Geneva.
Black ice that occurs unexpectedly or the accumulation of snow on the ground represents a challenge to be taken up on municipal territory: everything cannot be treated at the same time, but the Roads department has substantial means deployed according to a proven strategy which defines the implementation of means to limit the impact on the daily life of the city.
Around a hundred employees
In fact, throughout the winter and alongside its regular activitiesthe Roads – Clean City service is ready to intervene quickly to secure priority roads, cycle lanes and pedestrian routes. In total, nearly a hundred employees are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, until the end of March.
The means of intervention consist of a quarantine of vehicles including around thirty small machines intended in particular to secure public transport stops and sidewalks. Around ten heavy goods vehicles, equipped with blades and salt spreaders, treat as a priority the main routes, used by emergency services, and public transport routes. The trucks have thermal probes which make it possible to optimize spreading, thus limiting the cost and environmental impact.
Readings from climatological monitoring stations spread across the municipal territory and precise weather reports are consulted to predict frost and snow episodes. An intervention manager is on duty and monitors the city’s territory to detect the slightest problem. It can trigger the alert very quickly in coordination with private and cantonal actors.
Collaboration of citizens
While the City is committing significant resources, it is also counting on the collaboration of citizens. Building superintendents and arcade tenants can support roads by clearing snow in front of buildings. Vehicle owners are asked to equip themselves with winter tires to avoid paralyzing traffic in the event of heavy snowfall.
The Highways Department thanks motorists for park correctly their vehicles: cars must absolutely not exceed the space markings to facilitate the passage of large snow blades. Parked two-wheelers must also take care not to overtake on the roadway for the same reasons.
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