The Russian Ministry of Transport has decided to restrict bus and coach traffic on the Saimaa Canal maintenance road from 11 December 2017 to 31 March 2018. The restrictions apply to buses and coaches only, not to passenger cars or freight transport. For now, restrictions are set on traffic flows from Russia via the Nuijamaa border crossing station only. Other border crossing points operate as normal.
Information on the restrictions was issued by the Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Sergei Aristov. He has promised more details on the matter on Monday 11 December.
Finland has leased the Saimaa Canal and the adjacent maintenance road from Russia until 2062 for the purpose of using and maintaining the canal. According to the canal lease agreement, Finland is responsible for maintaining the road. The maintenance standard applicable to the road was raised for this winter season.
In the Saimaa Canal lease area, the legislation of the Russian Federation is observed, with the exceptions referred to in the lease agreement.
Ari-Pekka Manninen, Director of Unit, tel. +358 50 594 2679
Seppo Kykkänen, Head of the Saimaa Canal Delegate's Office +358 40 015 2868
