The Pen | Herman Odijk, Saferoad Group

Different times call for new insights and decisions

On Nov. 14, 1969, Apollo 12 was launched, only to land on the moon a few days later. These were the times when computing power was very limited compared to today, all the computer systems of the Apollo 12 combined had about the computing power of an iPhone 1. Advancing technological understanding brought progress at a rapid pace. The same 1960s also saw the introduction of the widely known guide rail, later enshrined in the NEN 5190 standard. However, the tests and trials done in the previous century are by no means a model for today's traffic situation.

In 2015, NEN repealed both standards NEN 5190 and NEN 5191- for the Dutch guide rail and only new guide rails may be used that comply with EN 1317. This describes what a guide rail must meet, including which vehicles to use for testing. After all, today's cars, trucks and buses weigh significantly more than they did back then, and the range of traffic vehicles on the roads has increased dramatically. In short, good guide rails must now be CE marked. The environmental factor also plays a leading role today. There is more focus on lighter and stronger materials and circularity. Guide rail manufacturers are now focusing on the overall optimization process. In recent years manufacturers have invested millions to future-proof the guide rail product, yet it is difficult to make the switch to EN 1317 standardized guide rails, very understandable by the way. One of the biggest bottlenecks is that our country is simply full of guide rails that together exude a certain uniformity.

The split we are in as a country is whether we would want to preventively replace those old guide rails of yesteryear for the new EN 1317 standardized version, or only when repair is required. Preventive replacement not only means spending a lot of money, but it will also involve steadily stepping outside the comfort zone. However, the gains that can be made when the new, upgraded systems are chosen are also obvious. This applies to the entire traffic sector, by the way: contemporary technology has a clear focus on sustainability. Consider, for example, the use of LED lighting in tunnels and along the country's roads. Overall, we can still optimize many aspects together, in the context of greater safety and sustainability. I therefore advocate that the developing side, the manufacturers, seek the connection with the governments and work together to improve. When we have the intention to do better together, then we make gains.

The Corona crisis has made us willing to listen to scientific evidence and also willing to accept change. It would be great if that continues and finds its way within our beautiful infra sector. Let's share the knowledge we have, let's help each other and let's start accepting change together.  If manufacturers continue to do their best to innovate, with a clear focus on the needs that exist from the government, we will get there. For that, we will have to join hands to formulate needs and requirements, we will have to re-map the market. The contractors will not complain about it, nor will the public who travel the roads. And speaking of circularity, what's to stop us from incorporating existing systems into new ones as much as possible? We have the knowledge and technology for it, today. Speaking in terms of guide rails, the motto might be: 'Making more meters with the old parts'. How about processing 10 km of old guide rail into 15 km of new? It should be possible, even in terms of cost. Replacement no longer means "discarding," but creating raw materials! But only under the CE flag of EN 1317 is the quality of the 'new' guardrail guaranteed. Keep that in mind.

It has somewhat become my personal dream to be able to work together like this. Now to find supporters who want to share this dream, or even better, help make it come true.