Unexploded Ordnance and Road Safety: Engineering and Organizational Approaches in Slovakia
摘要
The occurrence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) continues to pose a significant safety risk in many European countries, including Slovakia, threatening not only the civilian population but also critical transport infrastructure. The highest concentrations of UXO are associated with areas of intense fighting during World War II, and new incidents are still recorded during modern infrastructure projects. This paper analyzes the distribution and typology of UXO in Slovakia, their impact on the safety and functionality of road communications, and summarizes technical, material, and organizational measures for protecting infrastructure and its users against UXO explosions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of pyrotechnic surveys, the use of modern detection technologies, mapping and recording of findings, as well as on preventive engineering measures during the construction and operation of roads. The paper includes a case study from the construction of the R2 expressway near Košice and new findings from pyrotechnic interventions in Bratislava in 2024. The methodology is based on a review of scientific literature, analysis of existing technical measures, evaluation of selected incidents, and recommendations derived from international standards and experiences from conflict-affected areas. The results highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach and ongoing research in the field of detection, documentation, and resilience enhancement of transport infrastructure in environments threatened by UXO.