Austria's Salty Roads: A Unique Winter Maintenance Method

Austria is known for its well-developed road network, with almost 130,000 kilometres of roads. Interestingly, the country also has a long history of salt mining, dating back to around 7000 years ago in the Salzburg Lake District. Today, this history is showcased in attractions such as the Salzwelten salt mines in Altaussee and Hallstatt. In recent times, Austria has combined these two aspects, with the creation of the SALT & LAKE Trail, a bikepacking event that takes participants through beautiful landscapes and stunning villages along Austrian lakes and salt marshes.

Austria's road network is almost 130,000km long

The Austrian road system can be classified in two ways: according to road traffic regulations or according to the road owner. The first method involves subdividing routes based on regulations, while the second method involves categorisation based on the institution responsible for the road's condition and maintenance.

According to road traffic regulations, there are four categories: locality, relevance for motor vehicles, road names, and roads with or without the right of way. Locality distinguishes between roads within towns or cities and those outside, with the latter referred to as "open country roads". The second category differentiates between motorways and roads, with motorways having separated lanes and both types using international traffic signs. Austria has a total of 19 European roads that run through multiple countries, contrasting with roads that have or lack the right of way. The rights of drivers on road sections with the right of way differ from those on typical European roads with the right of way.

In terms of road ownership, the country, individual states, or municipalities are responsible for the condition and maintenance of the roads. The Austrian infrastructure company ASFINAG, which has been in charge of the country's motorways and expressways since 1982, is owned by the Republic of Austria and is self-financed through road user charges and tolls.

Motorways and expressways are marked by traffic signs with "A" or "S", respectively, followed by the name of the road, usually based on the region. Road users are charged a fee for driving on federal roads, which can be paid through a vignette, toll, or Go Box. Certain sections, such as the first part of the West Autobahn, are toll-free.

Austria currently has 18 autobahns, with one under construction and another planned. The Austrian autobahns, officially called Bundesstraßen A, are controlled-access highways under the Federal Government's authority. The total length of the Austrian Autobahn network is 1,720 km, with a general speed limit of 130 km/h. The use of these roads requires the purchase of a vignette or an electronic toll system, depending on the vehicle type.

The use of salt to de-ice roads is prohibited in Austria

The use of de-icing salt can also damage vegetation, including trees and plants often planted on streets, as they are sensitive to the increased ion concentrations in the soil. Additionally, high salt concentrations at roadsides can lead to the settlement of coastal plants inland, disrupting the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Another consequence of de-icing salt is the damage it causes to concrete components, steel girders, and vehicles due to the corrosive effect of the chloride ions it contains. This can result in rust and other types of deterioration, leading to increased maintenance and repair costs.

To address these issues, Austria has prohibited the use of salt for de-icing roads and, in some cases, sidewalks. This regulation aims to protect the environment and infrastructure while still ensuring the safety of road users. Alternative substances, such as salt-free litter materials and organic brine additives, are being explored and tested to find more sustainable solutions for de-icing roads.

It's important to note that while salt spreading is prohibited on roads and, in some cases, sidewalks in Austria, the municipality may reserve the right to use it for main roads and danger spots in extreme weather conditions. This allows for flexibility in exceptional situations while still prioritizing the environment and infrastructure protection.

The Salzkammergut region has a rich history of salt mining

Salt has been mined in the Salzkammergut region of Austria for thousands of years. The history of salt mining in the town of Hallstatt, for example, is inextricably linked to the history of the town itself. In fact, the history of salt mining in the area is even older than the town, extending back some 7,000 years.

Salt mining in Hallstatt began during the Neolithic Age, around 7,000 years ago. At this time, people were already busy mining salt in the area, making Hallstatt the oldest salt mine in the world. The salt was used to preserve food, particularly meat, and was therefore an extremely valuable natural resource. Later, people dug tunnels 200 meters deep into the mountain, even building staircases to help transport the "white gold" out from deep inside the mountain. The oldest wooden staircase in Europe is located at Salzwelten Hallstatt and dates back almost 3,400 years.

The Salzkammergut region also contains the world's oldest pipeline, which was built in 1595. This 40km-long pipeline connects the mining locations in Altaussee, Hallstatt, and Bad Ischl with the salt works in Ebensee. The brine still flows through this pipeline today, underneath the so-called 'Soleweg' (brine path).

Salt mining in the Salzkammergut region has a rich and fascinating history, which can be explored today through visits to the mines and via the various hiking trails in the area.

The Austrian autobahns are controlled-access highways

The Austrian autobahns are built and maintained by the self-financed ASFiNAG stock company in Vienna, which is wholly owned by the Republic of Austria. The company earns revenue from road user charges and tolls. Each route bears a number as well as an official name with local reference, although these names are not displayed on road signs.

The Austrian Autobahn network has a total length of 1,720 km (1,070 mi). The system is set to be expanded, with one autobahn currently under construction and another planned.

Interchanges (known as Knoten, or "knots" in German) are numbered by distance in kilometres from the start of the route. This is an unusual feature for European countries, although this arrangement is also used in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain, and most Canadian provinces.

The Austrian autobahns have a general speed limit of 130 km/h (81 mph). They may only be used by powered vehicles that are designed to achieve at least 60 km/h (37 mph). While on the motorway, voluntary stops, U-turns, and backward driving are prohibited.

The SALT & LAKE Trail is a bikepacking event through the Salzkammergut

The SALT & LAKE Trail is an unsupported bikepacking event through the stunning area of the Salzkammergut, Styria, and Salzburg. The trail is also known from the famous musical "Sound of Music".

The trail is a journey from Sankt Gilgen, passing through many well-known villages such as Bad Ischl, Hallstatt, Salzburg, and Bad Reichenhall. These are famous old towns with a rich history of salt, on roads perfect for gravel or MTB through forests, passes, along numerous lakes, and with beautiful views of famous mountains.

The Salt and Lake Trail is designed for sporty bikers, but with an official time limit of 7 to 9 days, all can make it and enjoy visiting the cities, taking breaks at the lakes, or stopping at the numerous spots of good food.

The event has two routes, with different distances and elevation gains. Route A is 400km with 8000m of elevation gain, while Route B is 250km with 5000m of elevation gain. The trail can be left and rejoined at any point, but participants must return to the same point and continue the trail from there.

The SALT & LAKE Trail is a self-supported event, meaning that no assistance from outside sources or the organization is allowed. Participants must carry their luggage and plan their food supply and overnight stays independently.

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