Return traffic from Suviseurat peaks in Kauhava

Return traffic from the Suviseurat event is at its busiest in Kauhava, with most of the 85,000 attendees now heading home, Yle reports.

Roads are expected to be congested, particularly north of Kauhava, as participants leave the Conservative Laestadian summer gathering, which ended around 15:00 on Monday. While some departed on Sunday, the bulk of the return traffic is concentrated on Monday afternoon.

To ease congestion, traffic controllers are stationed at major intersections, speed limits have been reduced in nearby areas, and police are assisting with traffic management where needed. This year, return traffic is being monitored and directed from the control tower of Kauhava Airport, where the event was held. Cameras at intersections and weather data are also being observed from the tower.

Guests were guided to the correct exit routes with signs already within the event area, according to Jukka Linna, chair of the Suviseurat traffic committee. More than half of the attendees are traveling north from Kauhava.

Three years ago, when Suviseurat was last held in Kauhava, return traffic caused severe congestion, particularly in Evijärvi at a mandatory stop intersection.