Project objectives
The aim of the project, Main Road 21 Kolari-Kilpisjärvi, is to improve traffic safety and the reliability of freight transports. On the road section Kolari-Muonio-Kilpisjärvi, parts of the road structure susceptible to frost will be improved, the narrow cross section will be widened and bridges will be improved. Key actions to be taken on the road section between Muonio and Kilpisjärvi include improving the roads built on permanently frozen soil (Iitto, Saarikoski and Peera), as well as improving the road section between Muonio and Palojoensuu.
Sensors will be installed on the road section between Kolari and Muonio. The sensors, using different measuring devices, will enable cost-efficient lifecycle management, as well as continuous monitoring of the road condition and possible changes to it. In the future, the road will be able to be used as a test area for traffic automation and automated driving.
Project progress and costs
The road improvements are divided into two parts: Kolari–Muonio and Muonio–Kilpisjärvi. The plans will be completed in 2016, and construction will commence in 2017. The project is estimated to be completed in 2018. The road project has received funding from the maintenance backlog package for 2016. The total project cost is 35 million euros.
Test area for intelligent transport systems
The Aurora project creates an internationally unique test area for intelligent traffic automation, as well as a knowledge centre for arctic conditions in Fell Lapland. The project consists of four subprojects: traffic automation, digital transport infrastructure, intelligent infrastructure asset management and Mobility as a Service (MaaS).