Estonia's road expertise and innovation center, the state-owned enterprise AS Teede Tehnokeskus, announced the winners of the "Smoothest Road in Estonia 2024" award during the Estonian Road Maintenance Forum held in Paide. This year's Smoothest Road 2024 award was given to the Jõhvi-Tartu-Valga road section in Tartu County, paved by Verston Eesti OÜ.

Smoothness Measurements Based on International Methodology

According to Sven Veskioja, project manager at AS Teede Tehnokeskus, road smoothness is evaluated using specialized measuring equipment based on the international IRI (International Roughness Index) methodology. "This year, smoothness measurements were conducted on 64 road sections across Estonia, all of which were considered in the rankings," said Veskioja.

Impressive Results for the Winning Section

The winning road section, located on the Jõhvi-Tartu-Valga road between kilometers 146.6 and 155.4, achieved a smoothness index of 0.63. The paving was carried out by Verston Eesti OÜ. This result significantly enhances the driving comfort and user experience of this road section, Veskioja added. The award was received by Alan Muruväli, Verston Eesti's construction manager.

Muruväli emphasized Verston's commitment to quality: "This year's outstanding results were achieved through forward-thinking and efficient planning, ensuring no asphalt delivery delays and continuous paver movement. Special attention was given to rolling to avoid any stops on the warm mix. Great work deserves applause, so let's give our asphalt team a big round of applause."

Recognizing Companies' Achievements

Verston Eesti OÜ was represented in the rankings with four road sections, including the winning section. Tariston AS made it to the list three times. The rankings also included Tref AS, Tref Nord AS, and Atemo OÜ. "Estonian road builders consistently deliver high-quality work, which deserves recognition," Veskioja emphasized.

Top 10 Smoothest Roads

1. State Road No. 3 Jõhvi-Tartu-Valga, km 146.6–155.4 – Verston Eesti OÜ
2. State Road No. 1 Tallinn-Narva, km 150.7–156.3 – Verston Eesti OÜ
3. State Road No. 92 Tartu-Viljandi-Kilingi-Nõmme, km 26.1–28.2 – Tariston AS
4. State Road No. 11300 Lagedi-Aruküla-Peningi, km 0.1–2.3 – Verston Eesti OÜ
5. State Road No. 20 Põdruse-Kunda-Pada, km 16.91–28.35 – Atemo OÜ
6. State Road No. 5 Pärnu-Rakvere-Sõmeru, km 98.9–108.1 – TREF AS
7. State Road No. 6 Valga-Uulu, km 106.7–119.2 – TREF Nord AS
8. State Road No. 15 Tallinn-Rapla-Türi, km 17.6–23.9 – Verston Eesti OÜ
9. State Road No. 92 Tartu-Viljandi-Kilingi-Nõmme, km 35.2–36.2 – Tariston AS
10. State Road No. 2 Tallinn-Tartu-Võru-Luhamaa, km 129.8–136.9 – Tariston AS

Smooth Roads Across Estonia

"This year's smoothest roads were relatively evenly distributed across Estonia, which is very positive for regional development. In addition to Nõo and Elva municipalities in Tartu County, the quality of the road network was also improved in Toila municipality in Ida-Viru County, Viru-Nigula municipality in Lääne-Viru County, Saku and Rae municipalities in Harju County, Saarde municipality in Pärnu County, Põltsamaa municipality in Jõgeva County, and in Paide, Järva County," said Veskioja.

Investments and Quality Enhance Traffic Safety

"Asphalt paving is a complex process requiring significant investments and motivation. Measurement results show that Estonian road builders maintain a high standard. It is also worth noting that consistent investment in roads increases traffic safety, improves the driving environment, and reduces maintenance costs for both road owners and users," Veskioja concluded.