Timo Pisto, Business Manager of the Finnish Forest Centre in North Ostrobothnia
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Weak infrastructure and deteriorating bridges on Finland’s private roads are endangering heavy transport, particularly in the forestry and energy sectors. According to Timo Pisto, economic manager at the Finnish Forest Centre in North Ostrobothnia, the state of private roads is directly linked to the operations of the forest industry.
“Forestry transport is heavy, and roads and bridges must withstand large axle and bogie loads. If the infrastructure fails, it restricts industrial activity and weakens competitiveness,” Pisto said.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Forest Centre launched the Tiesit project to secure wood and energy logistics. The project has assessed the condition of 230,000 kilometres of private roads and inspected over 7,000 of Finland’s 13,000 private road bridges. The estimated repair backlog for private roads is now €1.3 billion, with around 1,300 bridges requiring repairs or replacement. Approximately 20% of private roads need maintenance or major improvements.
Private roads are crucial for Finland’s rural areas. Pisto emphasised that both public and private road networks must function together to support transport needs for industry, agriculture, emergency services, and daily commuting.
Some of the collected data on private road conditions will be made available to the public through an online service, while more detailed information on specific bridges will be accessible upon request. Pisto noted that authorities must carefully consider what infrastructure data can be shared openly.
The security and defence aspects of road infrastructure have gained new urgency since the war in Ukraine. “If the road network is not functional, it threatens national security. The ability of emergency and rescue services to operate nationwide must be ensured,” Pisto said.
Both road and rail networks have suffered from long-term underfunding. However, recent investments in railway timber terminals, such as those in Kontiomäki and Suomussalmi, have helped secure the transport of raw materials.
Government funding for private road improvements and bridge repairs was significantly reduced in 2024. This year, only €6.9 million was allocated, returning funding to 2015 levels. Pisto warned that this forces authorities to prioritise projects more strictly, causing delays.
“Even though subsidy rates for both ELY and METKA funding remain relatively high, the available funds are insufficient to meet the needs. A long-term financing and investment programme is needed to reduce the private road repair backlog,” Pisto said.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
