Minister Ranne: Government budget session decides on road projects strengthening safety, security and the economy

In 2025, the Government will launch several important transport infrastructure projects across Finland. The decision on new infrastructure investments was reached today, 3 September, in the government budget session. 

“The Government invests heavily on improving the road transport infrastructure. With the new road projects agreed on in the spring, we will strengthen the security of supply as well as the safety and security across Finland. In addition, we will improve the east-west connections and ensure that the needs of the business and industry are met.   We respect what has been agreed and will start the preparations for the new projects on main roads 15, 12 and 21 immediately,” says Minister of Transport, Communications and the Interior Lulu Ranne.

The projects are proposed to be financed from the investment programme outlined in the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government.

Main road 15 between Rantahaka (Kotka) and Kouvola

The Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 122 million as well as an appropriation of EUR 1.0 million for implementing the project for 2025. The project aims at improving traffic safety and promoting the smooth flow of goods, passenger and commuter traffic. The project will bring benefits especially to business and industry. Within the road’s immediate area of impact is the biggest port of Finland, HaminaKotka.  The connection is also important for the security of supply.

Main road 21 between Palojoensuu and Maunu

For partial implementation of the project, the Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 30.0 million and an appropriation of EUR 1.0 million for 2025. The road section is an important link (E8) to northern Norway and the Arctic Ocean.  The aim of the project is to maintain and improve the smooth flow, reliability and predictability of long-distance freight and passenger traffic. In addition, the project will secure a special transport route on main road 21 and ensure the operating conditions of businesses.

Main road 12 between Mankala and Tillola

The Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 92.0 million as well as an appropriation of EUR 1.0 million for implementing the project for 2025. The aim of the project is to improve the safety, reliability and smooth flow of long-distance goods and passenger traffic and to increase the predictability of travel times.  The Lahti–Kouvola section on the main road 12 is an important part of the east-west main road network and a significant connection for business and industry. The appropriation may be used only if the agreement on land use, housing and transport (MAL) for the Lahti region has been signed.

Main road 5 between Leppävirta and Kuopio

In addition to the budget authority of EUR 180.0 million already granted, an appropriation of EUR 11.0 million is proposed for the project in 2025. The aim is to significantly reduce traffic fatalities and injuries and to ensure safe connections to stops as well as to provide favourable operating conditions for public transport services. In addition, the project will improve the reliability and smooth flow of goods and passenger traffic in business and industry. It will also increase the predictability of travel times. 

Main road 23 at Karvio Canal

The Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 14.0 million as well as an appropriation of EUR 1.0 million for implementing the project for 2025. The aim is to improve the logistics connections of business and industry. The main road 23 is a key route for businesses in transporting raw materials and goods in the regions of North Karelia and Varkaus. The aim is to promote the smooth flow and reliability of goods transport and to increase the predictability of travel times. Further aims are to improve walking and cycling links and to promote traffic safety.

Karelian railway

The Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 90 million and an appropriation of EUR 10.5 million for the project in 2025. The project promotes the development measures in Lappeenranta and the double track rail line between Luumäki and Joutseno. The aim is to improve the reliability and capacity of the rail line and that way to improve the operating conditions, punctuality and the service level. The Luumäki-Imatra rail section is currently one of the busiest single-track sections.

Renewal of the Äänekoski bridge and the junction arrangements on highway 642 (Äänekoski)

The Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 15.0 million for the project as well as an appropriation of EUR 1.0 million for 2025. The key objectives are to improve the flow and safety of traffic and to support the industrial development in the region.

Inquiries:

Tuomas Sorsa, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295 342 012, [email protected]