All ice roads in Estonia closed
Two operational as well as a number of planned ice roads in Estonia have been closed due to warming temperatures creating unstable ice conditions unsafe for driving.
Cracks have developed in and a layer of water on top of the ice of both the Haapsalu-Noarootsi and Laaksaare-Piirissaare ice roads, where ice thickness has also shrunk by a number of centimeters, which is why the roads can no longer be kept open.
Hannes Vaidla, head of the Estonian Road Administration's Western Region, noted that the route for an ice road in Vormsi had been completed, however changing weather conditions did not allow for them to open the road to vehicular traffic.
On Jan. 23, the road administration opened the Laaksaare-Piirissaare ice road on Lake Peipus, which was followed on Feb. 10 by the opening of the Haapsalu-Noarootsi ice road in Western Estonia. A planned ice road connecting Rohuküla and Sviby remained unopened due to warming weather conditions.
The Estonian Road Administration is reminding drivers that driving on closed ice roads is forbidden due to the danger it poses to drivers and other passengers alike.
Editor: Aili Vahtla