A major effort is underway to upgrade the standard of the country's roads. The new transport plan, scheduled to run for twelve years, gives the Swedish Transport Administration the opportunity to improve roads from the ground up.
The reason for the project is that there has long been a need for maintenance.
"The funds for road maintenance have simply not kept up, and the road network has been worn down," says Annika Canaki, Head of Department for Road Systems at the Swedish Transport Administration, explaining that there has been both more and heavier traffic in the country.
Better accessibility
The Swedish Transport Administration has long known the condition of the roads and what measures are needed, and is pleased that the work is underway, says Canaki.
"It involves everything from paving and drainage work, strengthening the road structure from the ground up, to repairing bridges. There are many different types of investments."
The Swedish Transport Administration currently has a historically large number of roadworks underway. Although the work will continue for many years to come, Canaki wants to emphasize that it leads to better accessibility and a safer society.
"We would like road users to see every job as a step towards better roads. It will also result in a more robust system that can withstand rainy weather and other stresses better."
Increased carelessness
For the Midsummer weekend, the Swedish Transport Administration advises motorists to plan their journeys and check the authority's website to stay updated.
"Drive well-rested, take breaks, keep your distance and think about your speed. Drive extra carefully when passing roadworks," says Canaki.
More roadworks mean more roadblocks. The Swedish Transport Administration's view is that motorists have become more stressed, and it wants people to show respect for road workers. Canaki reiterates that this also means reducing speed and keeping distance.
Canaki says that although it is difficult to establish that drivers have become more careless in traffic, she is aware of irritated and screaming road users.
"The vast majority show respect and consideration, but unfortunately there are cases of threats and violence even at our road construction sites."
Ahead of Midsummer, the Swedish Transport Administration advises motorists who are going to take to the roads to think about their speed, keep their distance, drive in a relaxed manner and take breaks. The agency also recommends that road users plan their journey and that it may be wise to choose roads with median barriers, as they are safer, even if it may mean a slightly longer journey.
The Swedish Transport Administration lists this as advice for those who are going to hit the roads:
Start your trip well in advance.
Be rested - for most people, long weekends mean longer trips than usual.
Adjust your speed to the road conditions, but never drive faster than the applicable speed limit.
Make sure everyone in the car is wearing seat belts.
Keep your distance.
Leave your cell phone behind when you're behind the wheel.
Take regular breaks.
Leave the car parked if you have been drinking alcohol.
When stopping: turn on hazard lights, put out warning triangle, move off the road, sound the alarm.
Source: Swedish Transport Administration
