A real ice road has been opened in the Baltic Sea: numerous unusual rules for drivers
An ice road has been established in the Baltic Sea to help island residents reach the mainland due to ice-locked ferries, operating under strict safety regulations.
The Estonian Transport Administration has reported that an ice road has been constructed in the Baltic Sea as a solution for island residents who have been cut off due to ferries becoming trapped in the ice. This unusual roadway is their only means of quickly accessing the mainland. It is operational only during specific hours—between 8 AM and 5 PM—and usage is strictly regulated to ensure safety due to the inherent risks associated with driving on ice.
The regulations for using this ice road are stringent: driving is prohibited during blizzards or fog, and vehicles can only travel in daylight hours. Drivers are required to keep a safe distance of at least 250 meters from one another as they traverse the icy surface, and vehicles must weigh less than 2.5 tons to be permitted on the road. Furthermore, to control traffic effectively, a new vehicle is allowed onto the ice every two minutes, ensuring that the limited surface remains safe for the cars navigating it.
While land-based roads have their limits, the ice road in the Baltic Sea is bound by similar regulations, specifically marked for safety. This initiative provides essential connectivity for residents of the islands, underscores the ingenuity in response to extreme weather conditions, and highlights the importance of adhering to safety for those who dare to drive on frozen waterways.