2012

A broader view on the use of wood

JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” has set up the first wooden traffic barrier. It will warn drivers about any potential risks that could lead to sliding into a ditch or deep water.

The barrier is located on the Majaka-Bērzu forest road in the Vidusdaugava Forestry. It is the first of its kind, developed in accordance with the Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute’s specification and ensuring traffic safety adequate for forest roads.

Forest and Wood Products Research and Development Institute Director Andrejs Domkins: “Such wooden traffic barriers are common products and their use for traffic safety purposes is particularly encouraged in many European countries. Wood is more flexible than metal. It is also cheaper and environmentally friendlier. Therefore, it is considered a future material. It is no wonder that wooden traffic barriers are used on high-speed highways in the Netherlands.”

JSC “Latvia’s State Forests” Forest Infrastructure Director Indris Stulpāns: “Wood is ecologically pure and recyclable. It is the only widely available and self-renewing entity, which was important for us, a company that cares about the environment, in deciding on setting up wooden traffic barriers. It is expected that similar barriers will be used when constructing new roads or repairing and replacing old barriers.”

Nowadays, wood is considered a highly prospective product. As construction material, it is an environmentally friendly choice when it comes to natural resources, energy usage, carbon dioxide emissions and waste. Damaged wood can be easily repaired. Wooden constructions can be conveniently rearranged and changed to meet functional and aesthetic requirements. It is the only natural material that can be renewed, naturally decomposes without polluting the surroundings, has a wide and diverse use, saves energy resources and is appealing.