The goals of the investment program are ambitious, but the lack of uncommitted funding forms a big contrast to the level of ambition presented.
The situational picture of the investment program is realistic in itself, because it states that "in the strategic situational picture of the transport network, more needs have been presented for the state bus network than can be met with the funding level and period of the investment program." Due to the lack of funding, the program does not meet the goals set for it.
In the changed operating environment, it should be noted that in addition to main roads, several of the presented goals can also be supported by starting projects with a low-traffic and even gravel road network.
The investment program is based on information and a strategic picture. This is a good thing. The main part of the Finnish infrastructure is starting to approach retirement age. For example, in addition to monitoring the surface condition of the road, it would be necessary to start monitoring the structural condition of the roads again.
The problems of the structure are reflected in the surface condition with a delay, but the condition of the structures below the surface should be mapped as soon as possible with load-bearing measurements. Around 2030, you should be prepared for a sharp rise in repair debt. Improving the structural condition of the roads will require a considerable increase in the funding used for improvement in the future.
The investment program should aim ambitiously at making the roads on the TEN-T core network four-lane and at motor traffic level, and making the railways two-track, even if the new regulation allows exceptions to these.
Business organizations are currently preparing a vision for the maintenance of the road network. The work will be announced at INFRA's professional days on March 13.3.2024, 12, and its results will also be offered for use by LiikenneXNUMX work.