03.12.2024

N06.24 NEB EM Brüggmoos – Lyss-Süd motorway maintenance project

We are very pleased that we have been asked to support FEDRO’s Thun branch in the N06.24 NEB EM Brüggmoos – Lyss-Süd motorway maintenance project during in the next years in our function as management support and senior construction management. The repair work on this motorway section includes a replacement of the pavement and extensive measures on the engineering structures. Actual construction work is planned for 2029.

02.09.2024

Research project bicycle traffic exposure

R+R is working together with the ZHAW and Pro Velo on the FEDRO research mandate MFZ_20_04E_03 Measurement of exposure to bicycle traffic until spring 2026. The aim of this research project is to evaluate existing methods for determining the mobility behavior of cyclists and to test a promising approach in a pilot study in practice. It involves determining the exposure, i.e., the distances traveled by cyclists, divided into the use of bicycles and e-bikes. Existing bicycle counts will also be integrated into the pilot study. Based on the findings, a proposal for the future calculation of exposure in bicycle traffic in Switzerland will be developed.

28.06.2024

LZK-Project

Cost optimization for sustainability: With knowledge of life cycle costs, ASTRA can optimize the costs of building and maintaining national roads over their entire service life. This enables better, economically sustainable use of the financial resources available. Together with ASTRA, R+R is preparing documentation that describes the method for estimating and applying life cycle costs for the structural infrastructure from the operator's perspective. The focus is on the planning level and applicability by project managers and project teams.

07.02.2024

N01.22 Motorway section Schönbühl – Kirchberg, Lindenrain rest area upgrade

The service building at the Lindenrain motorway rest area has been equipped with a new toilet module made of chrome steel; construction was completed at the end of 2023. The new toilet module offers better protection against vandalism, and it will be possible to continue its use in the event of a future replacement of the service building. R+R supported the Federal Road Office’s overall project manager in project planning and execution.

News
03.12.2024
N06.24 NEB EM Brüggmoos – Lyss-Süd motorway maintenance project
02.09.2024
Research project bicycle traffic exposure
28.06.2024
LZK-Project
07.02.2024
N01.22 Motorway section Schönbühl – Kirchberg, Lindenrain rest area upgrade
BLS AG Infrastructure

COST AND QUALITY BENCHMARKING

On a line-by-line basis, the infrastructure costs of the BLS railway network were compared to a benchmark with the aim of determining the „best practices“ regarding maintenance and investment costs, and in respect of operating quality. With the help of visualised results, comprehensive interpretations were drawn up with the staff responsible for the infrastructure, scope for action was presented and strategic directions for future improvements were discussed. Findings regarding best practices or poor practices were examined in depth on a case-by-case basis with the help of specific analyses, and potentials for savings and/or upgrading were identified for the individual lines.

Line-by-line analyses were undertaken regarding the track, safety equipment and parts of the operation. Cost and quality differences between individual sections were derived with the help of various statistical and econometric methods, and these were examined from various perspectives. The influence of curve radii, line lengths, the quality of track positioning and of the numbers and weights of trains, etc., on investment and maintenance costs was analysed in detail, and relationships between costs, quality, infrastructural factors and traffic load were evaluated. On one hand, the results allow the identification of cost saving potentials; and on the other, the results also provide an important basis in order to develop objectives for future services. However, with the help of data on work undertaken, it was possible to make comparisons not only between costs, but also between the services on which the costs were based. This approach made it possible to quantify efficiency improvements based not only on cost reductions, but also on improved service provision.
Key data

Client
BLS AG Infrastructure

Processing period
2010 – 2011

Project type
Rail

Services
Consulting

Fields of expertise
Benchmarking

Downloads
Project sheet

Contact

Dr. Jost Lüking

Consultant economics, chairman of the board of directors