Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen (BASt)

The Bundesanstalt für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen (BASt) is a leading technical and scientific research institute of the federal government in Germany. It is dedicated to the diverse tasks arising from the interactions between humans, traffic, infrastructure, and the environment. The headquarters of the BASt is located in Bergisch Gladbach.

The BASt is tasked with improving the safety, environmental compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and performance of roads. It provides scientifically supported decision-making aids for the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and works closely with national and European top research institutes. The BASt is also significantly involved in the development of regulations and standards in all areas of road construction[1][3][4].

• Research Projects: The BASt plans, coordinates, and conducts multi-year research projects to address current challenges in road traffic.
• Consulting and Certification: It offers consulting and expert activities and checks compliance with professional requirements for holders of assessment centers in the driver licensing sector[2][3].
• Traffic Sign Development: The BASt designs prototypes for traffic signs used in German road space[3].

The BASt is committed to international networking and collaborates with partner institutions from several countries. It operates an international database on roads and traffic accidents (IRTAD), which is accessible to specialized authorities and partially to the public[3]. Additionally, the BASt hosts events such as the Copernicus Hackathon, where innovative solutions for traffic and environmental problems are developed[3].

The BASt was renamed on February 1, 2025, to Bundesanstalt für Straßen- und Verkehrswesen to better reflect its expanded range of tasks[3]. It is actively represented in international networks and events such as the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2025, where it engages in sessions and workshops[3].

• 1 - https://www.xing.com/pages/bundesanstaltfurstrassenwesen/about_us
• 2 - https://www.bast.de/DE/Verkehrssicherheit/Qualitaetsbewertung/Begutachtung/Begutachtung_node.html
• 3 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundesanstalt_f%C3%BCr_Stra%C3%9Fenwesen
• 4 - https://www.bast.de/DE/BASt/BASt_node.html
• 5 - https://bast-ing.de/UEber-uns/