Minister Ranne: Government transport projects strengthen Finland’s security and growth
On 23 May 2024, the Government submitted its second supplementary budget proposal for 2024 to Parliament. The proposal includes several transport projects across Finland.
"The Government is changing the focus of transport investments. We promote projects increasing growth, in accordance with the government programme, as well as completely new infrastructure projects. With these new projects, we will strengthen Finland’s security, safety and security of supply. We will also remove obstacles to investments in business life. The Government is creating conditions for healthy growth,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.
As a new project, the Government will start to improve the main road 21 in Enontekiö, Lapland, between Ailakkalahti and Kilpisjärvi. The Government proposes for the project a budget authority of EUR 4.2 million and an appropriation for 2024. The project improves road safety, promotes the smooth flow of traffic and ensures connections to Northern Norway and the Arctic Ocean that are important for Finland’s security of supply and military transport.
Among the new projects is highway 15, the Kotka entrance road (road Hyväntuulentie). The Government proposes a budget authority of EUR 8.17 million and an appropriation of EUR 1 million for it. As the main transport route to one of the busiest ports in Finland, the project is important for Finland’s security of supply. It is a good start for the long-awaited overall improvement of the highway 15.
Investments to meet the needs of business life
In Jalasjärvi and Hämeenlinna, intersections will be built to boost investments in business life.
The intersection of main roads 3 and 19 will be improved in Jalasjärvi, Kurikka. A budget authority of EUR 11 million and an appropriation of EUR 1 million are proposed for the project.
It is proposed that an interchange be constructed on the main road 3 at the border between Hämeenlinna and Janakkala to better connect the Moreeni–Rastikangas business area with the main road network. A budget authority of EUR 5.04 million and an appropriation of EUR 1 million are proposed for the project.
A budget authority of EUR 16 million and an appropriation of EUR 11.7 million are proposed for Koivisto and Pikkuhaara bridges (Pori and Ulvila) on main road 11. The project will improve security of supply and traffic safety by renewing the deteriorated bridges across the river Kokemäenjoki.
The investment programme agreed in the Government Programme will continue. The Government proposes the launch of three projects: main road 5 between Leppävirta and Kuopio, main road 8 between Edsevö and Lepplax and coastal railway development between Kauklahti and Karis. A budget authority totalling EUR 234 million is proposed for the projects.
Funding for contracts of service in ferry transport
In addition, the Government proposes granting a budget authority of EUR 1,450 million for longterm service contracts (20–21 years) in ferry transport. The funding is included in the annual spending limits for basic transport infrastructure management.
Inquiries:
Tuomas Sorsa, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 295 342 012, [email protected]
Mikko Nygård, Director of Finance and Administration, tel. +358 295 342 547, [email protected]