Why are some Finnish roads weight-restricted in spring?
Driving on gravel roads in April and May.
Short answer
ELY Centres say road surfaces and structures can soften in spring as the frost melts, or when structures get wet in late autumn or a warm early winter. Kelirikko usually starts as surface softening and later, as frost thaws deeper, weakens the road body. ELY Centres set weight restrictions case by case, based on local conditions and the maintenance contractor's proposals, and remove them when the road has thawed and its bearing capacity has returned. In Lapland, actual restrictions over five years ranged from 718 to 1,045 km of road. Heavy transports are asked to move before or after the thaw season.
Why
- Caused by thawing frost.
- Mostly gravel and thinly paved roads.
- ELY Centres set limits case by case.
Details
In North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu, 60–300 km of gravel roads have been weight-restricted in recent springs, according to Kaleva.
Tip
Slow down on gravel roads in spring and watch for kelirikko warning signs.
What may differ
Current weight-restricted roads are shown in Fintraffic's traffic situation service.
Common misconception
Weight limits in spring affect all cars.
What actually happens
They mainly concern heavy vehicles; others should adapt their speed.
People also ask
- Are there gravel roads in Finland?
- When does road paving season start in Finland?
- How to check road conditions in Finland?
Sources
- Verkkouutiset: Spring thaw expected to be difficultChecked at:
- Moottori: Spring brings kelirikko to Lapland roadsChecked at:
- Kaleva: Thaw season begins in North Ostrobothnia and KainuuChecked at:
- Yle: South Ostrobothnia ELY Centre on the spring thawChecked at:
- Lapland ELY Centre: Spring thaw bulletin 2021Checked at:
This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.
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