The asphalt division of INFRA ry awarded Minister Lulu Ranteen with the traditional Kolamies statue at the Asphalt Feedback Days for the minister's work for the asphalt industry.
“Minister Lulu Ranne has said that she does not have any bridge drums, but that her bridge drum is the whole of Finland. As Minister of Transport and Communications, she has spoken at length about the importance of the paving industry to the success of Finnish society. During Ranne’s term as Minister, asphalt has been spread on average for more than 20 years,” INFRA’s asphalt division chair, Peabin Ossi Simonen justifies the choice.
Paving companies and professionals represented by the chamber have also been pleased that the minister has toured construction sites during the summer and shown interest in the industry, its experts, and developing methods.
Bad times behind us
"Maintenance of basic roads has been the subject of cuts and reductions for most of the 2000s. A change of direction has been seen during the current government, and over 7,000 kilometers of new asphalt have been laid on roads in the past two summers," said INFRA ry's director. Nina Raitanen says.
In Finland, paving volumes have been considered one of the key indicators of the adequacy of basic road maintenance.
"There was a trough in the early 2020s, and the fewest roads were paved in 60 years. Even before that, paving volumes averaged 3000 kilometers per year for a long time, when stopping the growth of the repair debt would require 4000 kilometers," Raitanen continues.
According to the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, the road network's repair debt is €2,562 million. Neglect of road infrastructure is reflected in derailments, rear-end collisions and level crossing accidents. For Finland, which is sparsely populated and dependent on dispersed industry, a functioning road network is a vital requirement. For example, Traficom's accessibility survey from 2022 shows that efficient basic road maintenance is by far the most important factor in freight transport for companies.
Hervanta's girls share a smile
Minister Ranne was visibly impressed by the attention he received.
"We were both surprised by Pirjo! Hervanta's girls have clearly done the paving work," the minister commented on LinkedIn, as did the project manager at Tampere University, which also received a statue. Pirjo Kuula remembering.
The asphalt division of INFRA ry awards the Kolamies statue to a person who has done significant work for the asphalt industry. The statue, made by Leila Hietala-Hämäläinen, has been a significant recognition for the industry since 1989. The first statue was awarded to the Finnish Road Administration.
Update 17.11.2025: Added Simonen's justifications and subheadings.
"I am truly delighted to receive the Kolamies award. A great honor and a personally significant remembrance."