Residents of Lemmenjoki petition for road improvements due to increased traffic and safety concerns

Residents of Lemmenjoki have raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of their main road in a petition highlighting increased traffic levels, particularly from buses and larger vehicles. This surge has contributed to the degradation of the road’s edges. The petition suggests that the road should be widened and straightened to eliminate hazardous overtaking spots.

Last repaired in 2004, the Lemmenjoki road has not undergone any substantial improvements since, apart from a resurfacing that inadvertently narrowed it by about 20 centimeters on both sides. This has caused the edges to crumble, with some sections eroding up to half a meter, a significant issue for a road that is only four meters wide. Local resident Hans Jomppanen emphasized these dangers, noting long cracks, potholes, and bulges along the road.

According to statistics from Metsähallitus, approximately 20,000 visitors come to Lemmenjoki National Park each summer, and the influx of tourists further elevates road usage, raising the total to around 40,000 vehicles. Jomppanen remarked that larger motorhomes, which often exceed two meters in width, pose additional risks while navigating the road.

There has been a notable increase in aurora-related tourism during the winter months, which leads to more bus traffic transporting visitors eager to view this phenomenon. Despite the surge in visitors and traffic, local authorities have acknowledged the challenges in addressing maintenance needs for lower-tier roads due to budget constraints prioritizing major highways.

Jomppanen and the petitioners express hope for improvements and stress the importance of a durable surface if the road is renewed, as they believe a gravel road would quickly fall into disrepair with current traffic levels. The petition, endorsed by 53 permanent residents, calls for urgent attention to these issues.