Roadwork near Kaamanen and Kevo ahead of schedule as summer paving project wraps up

The roadwork on the Nelostie route between Kaamanen and Kevo is nearing completion ahead of schedule. The summer’s longest paving project is now only awaiting the application of edge gravel and road markings. The sun shines brightly, creating hot working conditions that the employees have become accustomed to over the summer. “It’s surprising how warm it is this far north,” says asphalt worker Thomas Grankulla, who is from Luoto in Ostrobothnia, noting that the sun feels more intense up north than at home.

According to roller operator Sakari Puurula, the weather has had its advantages. “It has been easier to work without rain or strong winds, so the job has progressed faster than planned.” Workers put in long hours, typically around thirteen hours a day, six days a week. Puurula describes the early mornings and late nights, stating, “I left for work at a quarter to five, and last night I got to shower around 11:30 PM.” Workers alternate weeks off, allowing for an eight-day break after a six-day stretch. Puurula plans to travel home to Sievi, which is 700 kilometers away.

Unexpected experiences have marked work in the north. The stunning landscapes of Inari and Utsjoki have captivated workers from across Finland, and encounters with reindeer have provided amusement. “The reindeer walk on the hot asphalt; they don’t seem to mind at all,” Grankulla shares. Additionally, Puurula mentions that passing motorists have been friendly, often giving thumbs up, particularly the Norwegians, which indicates the road’s importance for connections to Norway.