Estonia invests more in roads in 2015

Estonia will invest more funds in 2015 in road construction than last year while the focus is on main highways, those that belong to the international TEN-t roads network, Highways Board deputy director general Kaupo Sirk said, reported LETA/Postimees.

Just like last year, this year also the construction activity concentrates around the two biggest cities – Tallinn ring road’s Kurna traffic junction should finally be completed and Tartu bypass will be renovated.

Sirk said that the agency will focus this year on main roads or those that belong to the international TEN-T road network because European Union funds form a bigger share of the investment than last year and EU funds cannot be used on other roads.

The Highways Board will invest in roads this year 184.6 million euros, of which 80.2 million euros is exterior funding. Last year, the board invested nine million euros less, but the amount of exterior financing was also smaller – 60.9 million euros.

In total, this year the plan is to repair 1,811 kilometres of highways, 1,105 kilometres of which is preservation repairs of roads or coating. Gravel roads’ preservation repairs take place on 224 kilometres, paved road repairs on 212 kilometres, construction and reconstruction on 170 kilometres, 100 km of gravel roads will be covered with asphalt.

Sirk said that thanks to cheaper procurement prices due to low bitumen price and strong competition, the board hopes to get more done by the end of the year.

(Source: http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/good_for_business/?doc=105589)

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