The road paving season has started. Asphalt and transport companies are appealing to road users to obey speed limits on road construction sites. Professional motorists in particular are challenged to set an example for the rest of the traffic. There are plenty of road construction sites, because the highway repair debt program will bring a total of 500 million euros in additional funding for road repairs this year and next year.
Asphalt employers' association INFRA ry and Suomen Kuljetus ja Logistiikka SKAL ry, which represents transport companies, appeal to road users to give road workers peace of mind during the paving season.
"Piki men and women work for the benefit of everyone on the road. We encourage you to give them the peace of mind and appreciation they deserve. In particular, we want to appeal to professional drivers, because they are a very important example for others", the manager Heikki Jämsä INFRAsta says.
When one slows down at a construction site, the rest of the traffic follows. A professional often drives a long distance, and the few minutes gained are not essential.
"Roads in poor condition are, for example, dangerous for goods transport. They cause weight and speed restrictions and force you to choose longer driving routes. It is in the self-interest and responsibility of the transport professionals that we provide a safe working environment for road renovators - so let's keep quiet at the road site", SKAL chairman Teppo Mikkola urge.
The traffic controller determines the speeds
The speed limit on the road construction site is determined by the road category by the person ordering the work, such as the Finnish Transport Agency or ely center. According to the Finnish Transport Agency's reports, speeding on construction sites is common. Increasing night work does not reduce the risks, because the speeds on nighttime roads increase even more.
The customer can influence safety by outlining already in the offer inquiry phase how the road pavers must guarantee the safety of the construction site. Good ways are, for example, speed monitors and escort cars.
Persistence is needed
Last winter was challenging in terms of road condition. The continuous freezing and thawing of the road surface accelerated the pitting of the pavements and other damages.
"The financing of the repair debt program until 2018 will help the situation, but the financing decisions after that are completely open. This is why it is important that the parties start preparing a long-term funding program before the next parliamentary elections", Heikki Jämsä suggests.
"In the other Nordic countries, there are highway programs spanning more than government periods, which guide the repair and construction of highways. This increases predictability and improves the use of resources. The beneficiaries are customers, contractors, industry and taxpayers."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Heikki Jämsä, director, INFRA ry, @HeJamsa; tel. 050 587 2911
Teppo Mikkola, chairman, SKAL ry, @MikkolaTeppo; tel. 0400 598 758
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