30 kilometers of road over sea ice: "My baby"
A 30-kilometer ice road in Luleå, Sweden, is expected to remain intact until Easter due to this year's severe cold, bringing joy to road keeper Robert Backlund.
In Luleå, Sweden, a remarkable 30-kilometer ice road has been established, supporting trucks weighing up to 12 tons. This year's intense cold has led to conditions that are likely to sustain the roads through to Easter, making it one of the best winters for ice road construction in recent memory. The road keeper, Robert Backlund, expressed his overwhelming emotions, stating that he is nearly brought to tears by the successful creation of the ice roads. Backlund reflects on the challenging winter, noting that while the cold has caused difficulties in various aspects like health and energy prices, it has produced unrivaled ice road conditions. He recalls that such extraordinary winter conditions have been rare, and this year's solid ice quality offers an exceptional opportunity for transportation in the Luleå archipelago. The ice roads are vital for connecting communities and enabling transport during the winter months, leading to implications for local economies and the movement of goods. With the forecast of their stability continuing until Easter, residents and businesses alike are expected to benefit significantly from the successful maintenance and utilization of these ice roads during the peak of winter.