05.05.2022
Where did the development of the entire Finnish transport network go?
The investment programme for the state fairway network does not take into account the needs of northern Finland and does not identify future opportunities.
The Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia is disappointed with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency's proposal for an investment programme for 2023-2030. The programme completely ignores the needs of northern Finland's residents and business life, as well as the security of supply of Finland as a whole. For Northern Finland, the investment programme does not implement the objectives of the Transport12 plan in terms of accessibility, sustainability and efficiency.
According to the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia, the investment programme must take into account the significantly changed operating environment and the vital role of its northern connections in security of supply, international transport policy and international logistics. For Northern Finland, the development of the Ylivieska-Oulu connection on the main railway line, starting with the construction of the Liminka-Oulu twin track, and investments in the development of highway 4, must be taken into account in the further preparation of the investment programme.
"In Northern Finland, ongoing and ongoing business investments should be reflected in a completely different focus in the investment programme for the fairway network. The strong transformation related to the energy economy also requires immediate investments in the fairway infrastructure in Northern Ostrobothnia and in the whole of Northern Finland," says Jussi Ylitalo, President of the Provincial Government.
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency's investment programme does not implement the European Union's transport policy objectives for Northern Finland. The extension of the TEN-T core network corridor from Helsinki to Tornio and further through the Bothnian Bay to Sweden and Norway is an important national opportunity that must be exploited.
"As part of international transport policy, there has been a commitment to the development of the main railway line and the Nelostie road, and now this commitment shines with its absence from the plan," Ylitalo emphasises.
The northern sections of the TEN-T core network corridors should be taken into account in the investment programme in order to make full use of EU CEF2 funding in addition to narrow national funding. Finland is committed to building the TEN-T core network in accordance with the Regulation by 2030. Budget funding will not be sufficient to meet the demands.
Roads in good condition are a security of supply factor
The traffic flow of the road network has deteriorated in recent years. In addition to the main roads, it is extremely important to maintain a functioning lower-level road network for the operating conditions of Finnish business life and the smooth everyday life of companies and people. Securing domestic and distributed bioenergy and wood supply requires the maintenance of a low-traffic road network. The functionality of agriculture and the production of domestic food rely heavily on the road network. In addition, as a result of the significant investments planned in the forest and energy sector in Northern Ostrobothnia, the number of heavy transports on the lower road network will increase.
"The proposed investment programme for Northern Finland is unsustainable. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency's view presented does not correspond to the region's view of needs. The programme cannot serve as a basis for the preparation of the state budget", Jussi Ylitalo emphasises.
Statement by the Regional Government of the Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia
Additional information:
Jussi Ylitalo, Chairman of the Regional Board, tel. +358 45 160 6466
Markus Erkkilä, Director of Planning, tel. +358 40 685 4045
