Abstract
In the construction and renovation of roads and streets, several factors are in play which often seem to represent contradictory interests. The quality of the end result, and the financial costs to attain it, often seems to be in conflict with the safety of workers and of traffic participants. The present article discusses some important aspects of the optimisation of safety, while at the same time incorporating demands of quality, economy and unobstructed traffic flow. Some examples describing German road construction projects are discussed. (A)