Worst rural road in Finland identified as Vanhakyläntie in Säkylä

The worst rural road in Finland has been identified in Satakunta, according to a photo contest organized by the Finnish Village Association and the Finnish Road Association. In October, these organizations sought to raise awareness of the increasing maintenance backlog facing rural roads and how poor road conditions affect daily life.

This year’s winning image, titled “Animal Transport Bounce Track,” was taken on Vanhakyläntie in Säkylä. The winner was selected through a public vote on the Maaseudun Tulevaisuus website, from a shortlist of eight finalists.

Vanhakyläntie, aptly nicknamed the “Animal Transport Bounce Track,” is approximately five kilometers long and has been patched for over 15 years. It serves over 2,100 heavy vehicles annually, according to photographer Marianne Isotalo-Ojala. “There are two family farms and one large pig farm along the road, as well as fields growing sugar beets for Finland’s only sugar factory, Sucroks, and potatoes for the food and paper industries,” Isotalo-Ojala noted.

She emphasizes the road’s poor condition, stating that it has deteriorated to the point where driving requires extreme caution. “Winter maintenance is particularly challenging due to the road’s irregularity, and its poor condition places additional strain on side roads, which are private and often treated as detours, impacting their upkeep.”

The playful photo contest aimed to remind parliament of the dire state of the road network, highlighting the fact that many Finns living in rural areas feel forgotten. According to Simo Takalammi, CEO of the Finnish Road Association, “Many people feel overlooked regarding the road network.” Arto Pirttilahti, chairman of the Finnish Villages Association, added that the maintenance backlog is increasing each year, underscoring the importance of minor rural roads for accessing essential community services.