Dealing with natural hazards along federal and state roads in Bavaria

Roads in the municipal Berchtesgaden are among the traffic infrastructure in Germany most highly endangered by natural hazards. Landslide, avalanche, rockfall and debris flow events led to repeated accidents and road closures. In order to improve the safety of main roads, a three‐stage approach has been introduced by the responsible road authority, especially in the light of finding the most suitable and sustainable solutions quickly. The first stage was a systematic spatial detection and delineation of all risk areas, as well as assessment of the level of risk and the resulting urgency. Based on this assessment, a more detailed investigation was conducted, leading to the development of tailored protection concepts. The main criteria for the entire design phase of any measure have always been the necessary level of protection, reasonable costs and environmental compatibility. Matching all these requirements is critical for rapid construction and therefore a reasonable use of resources. A good example of this approach is the integral protection concept for the B 21 main road with its central structure of a multifunctional protection gallery near Baumgarten. This has been completed recently, and several other projects are currently under construction.