物流・運輸のインフラ老朽化、老いるのは人間だけではない！

超高齢化社会といわれる日本。しかし、老いているのは人間だけではない、社会を支えるインフラも老朽化している。

今まで、当ブログでは水道管の老朽化を論じてきたが、貨物輸送で重要な役割を果たす高速道路や鉄道も老朽化している。

そのことが、日本経済新聞4月19日版の1面で報じられている。

高速道路は、「いつでも使える」ものではない。老朽化の修理工事が頻繁に実施されている。そのため、工事で通行が止められている区間は迂回しないといけないのだ。そこで、長距離運送を手掛けるトラック輸送会社は迂回を強いられ、運転手の長時間労働につながっている。だが、トラック運転手は2024年より残業時間規制が厳格化され、厳しい運用を強いられている（本来は、これが正しいものだと思う。過労死ラインで働かされる運転手は今までがおかしかったのだ。命のほうが仕事より大切なのは明白だろう）。

日本の高速道路が整備され始めたのは1960年代だ。それから60年以上が経過し、道路インフラはほぼ限界を迎えつつある。私は日本橋で勤務していたこともあるが、あちこちがひび割れしているのを自分の目で目撃し、「危ない」と感じていた。

高速道路が限界を迎える中、鉄道輸送への切り替え（モーダルシフト）を検討する機運もある。だが、貨物鉄道路線も老朽化しているのだ。東京ー大阪間の貨物輸送はすでに過密状態だし、線路設備も老朽化している。終電後の保守点検にかける時間は今後大幅に増える見込みとのことだ（名古屋駅前のホテルに泊まった時、深夜にうるさくて眠れなかったのを覚えている）。

いい加減、「ホワイトカラーが偉い」という価値観を破壊するべきだ。超優秀なホワイトカラー以外は、AIで代替できるだろう。まあ、私はAIで代替されない自信があるが。

水道管、道路、鉄道などの社会インフラを整備する人たちのことをもっと尊敬しよう。そして、そうした仕事に就く人を増やすべきだ。そのためには、Fランク大学は潰すべきだと考えている。女性の活躍も待ったなしだ。

Infrastructure Aging: A Comparative Analysis of Japan, the US, and Germany

Aging infrastructure is a pressing issue faced by many developed nations, including Japan, the United States, and Germany. These countries, once pioneers in infrastructure development, now grapple with the consequences of aging infrastructure, including deteriorating roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. This essay delves into the infrastructure aging challenges faced by these three nations, highlighting the commonalities and unique aspects of their respective situations.

Japan: Japan's infrastructure, much like its population, is aging rapidly. The country's extensive network of roads and bridges, constructed during the post-war economic boom, is now showing signs of wear and tear. Aging concrete structures are prone to cracks and corrosion, increasing the risk of accidents and disruptions. Moreover, Japan's aging workforce poses a challenge in maintaining and repairing its aging infrastructure.

United States: The United States, despite its vast resources, faces similar infrastructure aging challenges. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that the US needs an investment of $2.3 trillion over the next decade to bring its infrastructure up to standard. Roads, bridges, dams, and water systems are among the critical infrastructure components in need of urgent attention.

Germany: Germany, renowned for its engineering prowess, is not immune to infrastructure aging. The country's aging transportation network, particularly its railways, is a cause for concern. Train delays and cancellations are becoming more frequent, disrupting commuters and businesses. Additionally, Germany's aging energy infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the growing demand for renewable energy sources.

Common Challenges: Despite their unique circumstances, Japan, the US, and Germany share common challenges in addressing infrastructure aging. One significant challenge is the financial burden of upgrading and maintaining aging infrastructure. Governments often struggle to allocate sufficient funds due to competing priorities and budgetary constraints.

Another challenge is the lack of skilled labor to maintain and repair aging infrastructure. The aging workforce in these countries, coupled with the declining interest in infrastructure-related careers, is creating a skills gap that needs to be addressed.

Unique Aspects: While sharing common challenges, each country also faces unique aspects of infrastructure aging. Japan's aging population and workforce exacerbate the maintenance and repair challenges. The US's vast geographical expanse and diverse infrastructure systems make it difficult to prioritize and allocate resources effectively. Germany's transition to renewable energy sources adds complexity to its infrastructure aging challenges.

Moving Forward: Addressing infrastructure aging requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both short-term and long-term strategies. Governments must prioritize infrastructure investment, allocating sufficient funds to upgrade and maintain aging assets. Additionally, collaboration between the public and private sectors can leverage expertise and resources to optimize infrastructure projects.

Investing in education and training programs can address the skills gap in infrastructure-related fields, ensuring a pipeline of qualified workers to maintain and modernize aging systems. Embracing technological advancements, such as smart infrastructure and advanced materials, can enhance efficiency and extend the lifespan of infrastructure components.

In conclusion, infrastructure aging is a critical issue that demands urgent attention from Japan, the US, and Germany. By acknowledging the common challenges and unique aspects of their respective situations, these countries can collaborate and implement effective strategies to modernize their infrastructure, ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of their critical systems for future generations.