The Transport Agency has opened a 17-kilometer ice road between Hiiumaa and Saaremaa for vehicles weighing up to 2.5 tons, with specific operational hours and conditions for safety.
The Transport Agency of Estonia has inaugurated the first ice road of the season for passenger cars, connecting the islands of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. Opened on Sunday at 9 AM, this 17-kilometer route will only accommodate vehicles with a weight limit of 2.5 tons. The operational hours are limited to daylight, specifically from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and the last vehicle is permitted on the ice by 4:30 PM. Care and maintenance for the ice road will be provided by Verston Eesti OÜ.
Safety protocols are critical for maintaining the ice road's accessibility, as strict adherence to the traffic regulations posted along the route is required. Given the challenging nature of ice conditions, drivers must also be alert to potential irregularities on the ice surface, including small bumps, and a necessary ice bridge at the 2.8-kilometer mark, to ensure safe passage. The Transport Agency advises checking the ice road's status through its online portal, TarkTee, which will provide updates as conditions change.
Drivers are warned that visibility restrictions, such as those under 300 meters, could lead to the ice road being closed unexpectedly. The agency emphasizes the importance of following established traffic rules while using the ice road during its operational hours to facilitate safe and smooth transit between the islands.
