The Riigikogu discussed the funding of road management
Seven interpellations were replied.
Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis replied to the interpellation concerning the funding of road management (No. 938), submitted by Members of the Riigikogu Reili Rand, Madis Kallas, Jaak Aab, Andre Hanimägi, Helmen Kütt, Tanel Kiik, Kersti Sarapuu, Enn Eesmaa and Lauri Läänemets.
The interpellators wanted to know the reason for the situation where some counties, such as Hiiumaa Parish, Lääne County, Rapla County, Lääne-Viru County, and Ida-Viru County, would not receive any new investment for paving gravel roads for three to four years.
Leis explained that the paving of gravel roads was based on the goal of the Transport and Mobility Development Plan according to which all gravel roads in the country with an average daily traffic volume of more than 50 cars were to be paved by 2030. “At the same time, it is important to note that it is considered socio-economically profitable to pave a gravel road if traffic load is at least around 200 cars per day. However, approximately 60 percent of the country’s gravel roads have such low traffic that an average of less than 50 cars per day drive there,” the minister stated.
He noted that, in addition to traffic volume, other factors were also taken into account when selecting sites: the proportion of heavy traffic, the impact of dust on roadside households, road users, and the existence of bus routes. ”Proposals from local governments are also taken into account when compiling the rankings,“ Leis said. According to him, investments in the construction of gravel road surfaces over the next four years will be directed primarily to counties where there are more gravel roads and where traffic load is higher.
“In the counties mentioned in the question, both the total length of gravel roads and the traffic volume are lower compared to several other counties. For example, there are no gravel-surfaced national roads in Lääne-Viru County which is why this measure cannot be implemented there,” the minister said.
According to Leis, when planning investments in gravel roads, the principle is that road management funds are directed to where they will most improve people’s mobility, road safety, and regional connectivity. “When selecting sites, the condition of the road, traffic volume, the proportion of heavy traffic, and how many people and businesses a particular road serves are taken into account. The lists of the road management plan are reviewed every year in order to make changes, if necessary, according to changes in the condition of roads, traffic load, and the completion of projects,” Leis explained.
“I can confirm that, in 2026–2027, investments will be made in national roads through various road management plan measures in all Estonian counties,” Minister of Infrastructure said.
Leis also replied to the interpellations concerning the liability insurance of the officials of AS RB Rail (No. 902) and concerning winter connections to islands (No. 918).
Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs Liisa Pakosta replied to the interpellation concerning the intention to transfer the historic courthouse at 7 Pärnu Road, Tallinn (No. 894).
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga replied to the interpellation concerning the financing of Estonian theatres (No. 867), the training of journalists (No. 907) and the extension to the Estonian National Opera (No. 916).
The interpellation concerning state ideological interference in the freedom of the press on the topic of immigration and integration (No. 910) and the interpellation concerning a EUR 275,000 public procurement for an integration campaign (No. 922), submitted to Minister of Culture Heidy Purga, were excluded from the agenda for today’s sitting on the motion of the interpellators.
Tiit Maran and Madis Kallas took the floor during the open microphone.
The sitting ended at 9.11 p.m.
Verbatim record of the sitting (in Estonian)
Video recording will be available to watch later on the Riigikogu YouTube channel.
Riigikogu Press Service
Gunnar Paal
+372 631 6351, +372 5190 2837
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