Coordination of roadworks and reduction of their negative impacts
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The goal of the assessment
The main question of the assessment was whether the City has succeeded in developing the planning of roadworks and reducing their negative impacts on city residents. This was examined by assessing whether the coordination and division into stages of roadworks have been sufficient and whether the City has taken measures aimed at shortening the duration of roadworks and reducing their negative impacts.
Conclusions
The City of Helsinki Urban Environment Division has for the most part succeeded in developing the planning of roadworks and strived to reduce their negative impacts. However, due to the high level of investment, several work sites operating at the same time inevitably cause significant traffic-related and other negative impacts. Measures have been taken to reduce the duration of roadworks, but there are no easy solutions because the execution of roadworks is subject to restrictions imposed by winter conditions and temporary traffic arrangements, for example. Measures to reduce the negative impacts of roadworks have not been as effective as hoped. The most typical acts of negligence observed in official oversight are deficiencies in temporary traffic arrangements and the safeguarding of street property. Of the excavation works carried out in 2022–2024, approximately 70% were carried out by someone other than the City. Current legislation does not provide the City with effective means of intervening in non-compliant activities.
the City Executive Office and the Urban Environment Division must
- continue advocacy work to ensure that the amendment to the Maintenance Act will meet the needs of Helsinki and facilitate better management of the negative impacts of street works.
the Urban Environment Division must
- continue efforts to reduce the duration of worksites, reduce negative impacts and guarantee safety. There is room for improvement at least in the financial incentives and the use of sanctions, as well as the training required of worksite staff.
- aim to further clarify the instructions for worksites and ensure that those working on the site know the most important requirements concerning worksites.
- communicate the Division’s coordination of major traffic projects and traffic impact assessments to improve the negative image of road works.
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