Tire damage plagues construction site between Ylläsjärvi and Kittilä in Finland

Local reports indicate that a construction site between Ylläsjärvi and Kittilä is experiencing an alarming rate of tire damage, with as many as 40 tires reportedly breaking each day. This trend continues to be observed this week. Jaakko Luiro, the project manager for the Lapland ELY Center oversight, described the number of incidents as exceptional and attributed tire damage in the work zone largely to vehicle speed. He advises drivers to adhere to speed limits and adjust their driving for road conditions.

Many motorists have commented on the unusually sharp stones on the roadway. The gravel being used is standard quartzite aggregate sourced from a local quarry in Kittilä, which has been widely utilized in the area. Luiro emphasized that the ELY Center sets specific quality requirements for the materials, including hardness.

On Monday, two cousins from Rovaniemi, Jeremias and Antti Mölläri, encountered tire issues while returning from work, with two tires blowing out simultaneously on their delivery vehicle. They noted the road felt notably rough, consistent with reports of high tire damage incidences.

Juho Lehtelä and his friends also experienced a tire blowout en route to Inari, unaware of the reported tire damage incidents until it happened to them. Lehtelä remarked on the large size of the gravel on the road.

Luiro mentioned he hasn’t received direct feedback regarding the tire damage, although the ELY Center has received some calls and messages. He advises those with trailers or motorhomes to consider alternative routes. Currently, there are no plans to close the road, as many vehicles pass through without incident. The construction zone’s speed limit is set at 50 km/h, with asphalting expected to begin next week, and the project is slated to continue until mid-August.