Infrastructure team working diligently in North Ostrobothnia
04.10.23Finland boasts an extensive road network, the maintenance of which poses challenges due to economic constraints. The repair backlog for roads and bridges is substantial, necessitating investments in the improvement and safety enhancement of heavily trafficked sections. Such investments include the National Road 8 and Highway 744 projects, which have kept NYAB’s professional infrastructure team busy throughout early 2023. The contract consists of three separate projects and an option target, with a total value of 2.7 million euros.
Kalajoki Hiekkasärkät junction underpass
Highway 8 stretches all the way from Turku to Liminka, covering a distance of over 600 kilometers. Local projects have contributed to its improvement, and the next phase involves the section bypassing Kalajoki. In June, construction commenced on an underpass at the Matkailutie junction, located at the Kalajoki Hiekkasärkät. Hiekkasärkät is one of Finland’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing over a million visitors annually.
The underpass serves light traffic and snowmobilers. At the same time, water supply lines will be renewed and groundwater protection as well as pedestrian and cycling routes will be built. This safety-enhancing project began in June and is expected to be completed by autumn 2024.
New pedestrian path in Rautio
Another significant safety-enhancing road project involves the construction of a pedestrian path alongside Highway 744, which runs from Sievi to Kalajoki, near the village of Rautio in Kalajoki. The vitality of Rautio is evidenced by its recent achievements: this year, the village won bronze in a European village competition, and last year, it was awarded the title of ‘Village of the Year’ in Finland. The construction of the half-kilometer pedestrian path will also entail improvements to street lighting and bus stops. The project, which began in June, will be completed during autumn 2023.
Green project underway in Vihanti
In the town of Vihanti, located in Raahe, a project is underway to renovate the green environment between Raahentie and Takatie. The contract includes the replacement of plantings, the installation of pavements, and the removal of the invasive Rosa rugosa, which is classified as a invasive alien species. Its unchecked spread poses a threat to native plant species and prevents recreational use of beaches.
