Project planning does not always progress smoothly from one stage to the next, and there may be long delays between different stages especially in large road projects. Progress from one planning stage to the next and on to the project implementation may even take decades, as project planning and implementation require separate funding.

The planning of large-scale road projects is usually initiated by transport system plans or strategies. Especially in the larger projects, the available funding determines the extent to which the projects may be planned and implemented. Road plans cannot be kept in stock, as they are only valid for eight years, and projects may not be executed based on expired plans.

Large-scale projects receive a separate funding for planning from the Finnish Transport Agency. This funding is generally granted for projects that can feasibly be implemented during the validity of the plan. The decision on the implementation of these projects is made by the Parliament by awarding funding, and the Finnish Transport Agency is responsible for the implementation. It is the Finnish Transport Agency’s policy that planning funding is granted only to the projects included in each government programme. The tight financial situation of the state limits the implementation of new road projects and a great deal of state funding is already tied up in the completion of ongoing projects.

Minor upgrade projects are selected for detailed planning based on various kinds of needs analysis. The implementation of minor upgrades is generally more straightforward, and projects selected for planning are usually also implemented within approximately five years. Minor upgrade projects are implemented using the basic road management funding granted to the ELY Centres, and the Centres are also responsible for selecting the projects. The impact of minor upgrade projects is so small that they do not require a preliminary engineering plan, unlike larger projects. Plans for minor projects may also not be kept in stock, as road plans expire after eight years.

Read more:

• Road planning process in Finnish