Finland's Saimaa Canal Delegate has sent a report to the Russian Canal Delegate concerning the road traffic accident on a maintenance road near Saimaa Canal on 15 February 2014. The report discusses the prevailing conditions and road maintenance operations at the scene of the accident.
On the basis of the Saimaa Canal Agreement maintenance of the road is Finland's responsibility. Therefore, the Finnish authorities launched an investigation right after the accident.
According to a report by the authority responsible for the maintenance of the canal road, weather or road conditions did not give reason to sanding of the road.
The Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications agrees with the report by the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Southeast Finland and considers that the road maintenance was appropriate.
After all the reports have been released the Canal Delegates will discuss if and how the accident will affect the future maintenance of the canal road.
Based on traffic volumes and the special nature of the canal maintenance road it has been categorised under a maintenance class in which slippery conditions in winter are prevented by means of sanding. The road has a speed limit of 60 km/h.
The responsibility for the road maintenance lies with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment of Southeast Finland. The Centre has a contract with NCC Roads Oy concerning the maintenance of the Saimaa canal road.
Further information:
Mr Harri Pursiainen, Permanent Secretary, Saimaa Canal Delegate tel. +358 295 34 2389
