First, some of the economic background of road systems in Europe, particularly examining their potential as profitable enterprises, is given. Secondly, two different European concepts of trans-national road networks - the economic and the political approach, are covered. Thirdly, the IRF's (International Road Federation) EURAVIA project, a proposal currently developed in partnership with the European Commission and which is believed to kick-start the development of a truly trans-European road network, is introduced. The EURAVIA project is an updated version of the original AIMSE (Advanced Integrated Motorway System for Europe) concept. It advances the central idea of trans-border motorways designed and operated for users and mostly paid for them. These motorways will incorporate the latest developments inEuropean geography, traffic management and environmental protection. Mostimportantly, EUROVIA is a proposal to kick-start the implementation of TERN (Trans-European Road Network) by involving private sector investors, builders and suppliers in its development.
Samenvatting