Challenges of Poor Road Infrastructure for Cargo Transportation

Navigating the challenges of poor road infrastructure presents hurdles for cargo transportation across various regions in Europe. Key issues include inadequate road signage, a scarcity of alternative routes, and the frequent absence of essential services, each contributing to increased risks and operational costs for freight forwarders.

 

Poor Road Signage

Inadequate road signage can pose significant dangers for cargo trucks, as it may lead them into unsuitable or hazardous conditions and result in potential accidents. The Lecco bridge collapse in Italy in 2016 is a point in question. Despite visible damages and structural concerns reported to the authorities, the bridge was ordered to be closed at 2:00 pm but remained open without proper signage warning of its unsafe condition. Consequently, when a truck traversed the weakened structure, it led to the bridge collapsing. The truck fell downward along with the collapsing bridge and several other vehicles were involved in the accident.

 

Poorly Maintained Roads

When roads are poorly maintained, they can present a range of hazards, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and roadway settlements. Potholes, or deep depressions in the road surface, increase vehicle instability while uneven surfaces featuring bumps and dips can lead to vehicle jolts and loss of control. Additionally, roadway settlements where the road surface has settled or sunk due to soil erosion or substandard construction can also result in vehicle damage and elevate the risk of accidents.

 

Scarcity of Alternative Roads

Insufficient alternative routes also pose challenges to cargo trucks in regions like the Pyrenees in France and Spain, the Lofoten Islands in Norway, and the Highlands in Iceland. In such areas, the scarcity of alternate roads can lead to congestion which can affect visibility and make it harder for drivers to see other vehicles, road signs, or potential hazards. In addition to these complicated driving conditions, the stop-and-go traffic and idling reduce trucks’ fuel efficiency which can result in higher fuel consumption and costs.

 

Lack of Services

Areas with limited infrastructure frequently lack essential services such as repair shops, fuel stations, rest areas, and security services. Particularly, the scarcity of repair shops means that trucks often have to be transported to distant locations for repairs. Additionally, sparse fuel stations complicate travel, as cargo trucks may need to detour to refuel which increases travel times and can lead to unplanned delays. Moreover, the shortage of dedicated truck stops often leads to overcrowding at available rest areas. This congestion may force drivers to park in less secure locations which increases the risk of cargo theft and vandalism. The risk of such incidents increases if law enforcement patrols are infrequent or absent. Moreover, inadequate security services often result in delayed responses to theft, accidents, breakdown, and medical emergencies. Lastly, the limited availability of offices for obtaining necessary permits such as those for oversized cargo, travel during non-standard hours, vehicle escort, and temporary road closure can also create challenges for cargo operations.