Estonia opens its first ice road of the winter
Estonia opened its first ice road of the season between the country’s two largest islands, Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. The temporary winter route stretches for 17 kilometres and marks the official start of the ice road season.
The ice road is open during daylight hours from 8.30 to 17.00 and allows vehicles with a maximum weight of up to 2.5 tonnes. Drivers are warned that the surface is uneven in places. At the 2.8 kilometre mark, an ice bridge has been built over a crack in the ice.
Authorities stress that strict adherence to traffic rules is essential to keep the route open. If weather conditions deteriorate, the ice road may be closed temporarily or at short notice.
Key rules for driving on the ice road
Traffic is permitted only during daylight hours. If visibility drops below 300 metres, the route is closed.
Recommended speed is up to 25 km/h or between 40 and 70 km/h.
Entry onto the ice road is allowed only at marked points, with at least a two minute interval between vehicles.
The minimum distance between vehicles must be at least 250 metres.
Overtaking and leaving the marked route are strictly prohibited.
Seatbelts must be unfastened and vehicle doors should be easy to open.
Stopping, speeding, driving in darkness, fog, or snowfall is forbidden.
Before setting off, drivers are advised to save the emergency service phone number displayed on the sign at the start of the ice road.
Officials also emphasise that driving on unopened ice roads is extremely dangerous and urge motorists to avoid doing so under any circumstances.
