Ratas said on Kuku Raadio on Wednesday the restoration of roads which will be used for speed tests has been included in the budget of Rally Estonia.

Ratas added: "They are upgrading the roads to a better shape than they were before the rally. I am aware that people have asked if the speed test could be done here or there so that the road could be better after the rally."

Urmas Roosimaa, who is responsible for the Rally Estonia speed tests, told ERR on Thursday they have not been approached, but trajectories have been sought from both public and private roads to keep the average speed of the tests under control.

Based on the goal and his information, 26 kilometers of Southern Estonia will be upgraded. According to Roosimaa, the activities also include post-rally maintenance, which means the restoration of the roads will be renewed to the condition they were before the rally.

Roosimaa explained it is essential to make the road usable again and then repair any major damages. He added: "It is clear the roads will be hit to a greater or lesser extent with the rally. It means they must be maintained after the rally. In fact, as soon as the rally's speed test ends, we have a grader waiting to make the road.

According to Roosimaa, five companies have been approved by the Road Administration (Maanteeamet) and will been involved in carrying out the road works. In his opinion, the work could be completed within three weeks after the end of the speed tests.

He added in order to consider the well-being of the local population, dust control is also being carried out. The Rally Estonia team also includes a group which is ready to react on an ongoing basis, for example, to clean up damaged green areas.

Elva rural municipality mayor: the rally is important for both people and companies

Toomas Järveoja, the mayor of Elva municipality, told ERR this time 13 kilometers of Elva municipality roads will be used for speed tests, including 3.5 kilometers which are privately owned.

Järveoja noted that it is very important for the Elva municipality to have such a big event and people are very interested in the rally. 

Järveoja added: "This form of the rally is certainly a great opportunity for our companies and people. Elva municipality and I believe that the local audience is looking forward to the rally event."

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