Germany's state-of-the-art highway system.

German highways, dating back to the 1930s, formed the basis for the world's first highway system. For decades, this highway network has been more than just infrastructure; it has transformed into a cultural and social symbol for the German people. The German word "Autobahn" is widely used in other countries without translation.

Prominent symbol

The idea of ​​building highways connecting Germany's expanding cities after World War I originated in the post-war Weimar Republic. The first public road of its kind was completed in 1932, connecting Cologne and Bonn, and is part of today's Route 555.

German highways are built with masterful engineering. Photo: HOA NGUYEN

The national highway network had been expanded to 2,108 km by 1942. West Germany began rebuilding the system after World War II. In 1989, the two networks of East and West Germany merged and have continued to expand.

To date, the current length of the entire network is approximately 13,000 km, making it the third largest system in the world, after the United States and China, and one of Germany's most prominent symbols, alongside the World Heritage cathedral in Cologne or the Berlin Television Tower. The German highway network not only connects various locations within Germany but also plays a crucial role in transport from Southern Europe to Northern Europe or to Eastern Europe. Most sections of the road have 2, 3, or even 4 or 5 lanes in each direction, plus a dedicated emergency lane.

Masterful technique

German highway construction techniques are even considered masterful, boasting exceptional quality. The author sat behind the wheel on the expanded A4 highway, witnessing firsthand the elaborate construction process with foundations tens of meters high, consisting of multiple layers of materials, and topped with a layer of concrete for the road surface.

The road surface drains water extremely quickly, is smooth, resistant to vibration and slippage, and minimizes expansion in all weather conditions. Thanks to its exposed concrete structure, the surface also has better grip and reduces noise while driving, maintaining the flattest and straightest surface regardless of the terrain. The signage system is clear and consistent; warning signs are placed kilometers in advance on curves and narrow sections of road, and are repeated continuously as you approach.

Of course, construction costs are also among the highest in the world, ranging from 6-20 million EUR per kilometer, depending on the terrain. The costs of building, maintaining, and servicing the highway are allocated by the federal government from tax revenues. Private cars are exempt from tolls, including those with foreign license plates. Trucks have been paying tolls since 2005 via electronic chips attached to their wheels.

High traffic volume of trucks and private vehicles reaches up to 170,000 vehicles per day on some peak routes such as the A100 in Berlin, the Cologne suburbs, or Stuttgart, while the average traffic volume across all German highways is approximately 100,000 vehicles per day. Therefore, the construction method combining asphalt and reinforced concrete meets the requirements for high load-bearing capacity and load reserve, durable surface characteristics, a drainage system that ensures rapid infiltration without damaging the subbase, good and long-lasting traffic flow, and a lifespan of up to 50 years. The risk of traffic congestion and accidents is also minimized. In 2019, there were 32,272 accidents with fatalities on all German highways, with 356 deaths, accounting for 0.01%.

Only in Germany can you drive without speed limits on up to 70% of the highway system. Germans are proud of their automotive industry, with approximately 49 million passenger cars for a population of 84.3 million. Of these, only a small number regularly drive above 160 km/h; most drive at the recommended speed of 130-140 km/h. Discussions surrounding speed limits are always a hot topic in German politics, but have been voted against. However, when fuel prices rise, drivers in Germany automatically reduce their speed without any legal restrictions.

How to drive on the Autobahn:

- Overtaking on the right is against the law.

- The overhead electronic signs are switched on during bad weather or traffic jams.

- If there is traffic congestion ahead due to an accident, an emergency lane should be created. Move vehicles to the right and left sides of the road, forming a "middle lane". If there are more than two lanes, drivers in the right lane will stay on the right, while drivers in the third or fourth lane from the left will stay on the left.

DANG MINH LY

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/he-thong-cao-toc-dinh-cao-o-duc-post722749.html