Traffic in Schleswig-Holstein faced a mix of challenges on Thursday, with a strike by road maintenance employees and severe winter weather conditions both playing a role. The workers, affiliated with the Verdi union, initiated a warning strike at 22 depots, but traffic continued running relatively smoothly amid the winter weather. Around 600 strikers gathered in Husum, joined by employees from coastal protection and marine conservation agencies.
As for the weather, temperatures plummeted to a chilling -13.9 degrees Celsius in Hattstedt, making it one of the coldest nights in Schleswig-Holstein's history. Conditions were so frigid that the temperature dropped to -19 degrees Celsius directly above the ground in Ostenfeld. Meanwhile, the German Weather Service (DWD) predicted more wintry weather, potentially bringing 5 centimeters of fresh snow to the north and frost and icy conditions throughout the weekend.
Police reported minimal issues with the strike, as drivers adapted to the weather conditions, showing resilience on the roads. Unfortunately, six people were hurt in a serious traffic accident near Grömitz on Wednesday evening, with four suffering severe injuries. Despite the challenges, traffic in Hamburg remained calm, with no major incidents reported by the police.
While the strike had an impact on coastal protection facilities, the majority of construction projects in Schleswig-Holstein continued without significant disruptions. Police advised drivers to exercise caution due to the potential for accidents resulting from the strike's impact on road maintenance services.
Labor unions and the state enterprise were actively engaged in negotiations to bring an end to the strike, with a resolution looming on the horizon to restore normal services. In the meantime, 500 road safety workers gritted Hamburg's busiest roads at 1 AM on Friday, ensuring drivers had a safer journey, and motorists were urged to ensure their vehicles were fitted with winter tires, as required by law.
