väylävirasto

Väylävirasto, or the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, is a Finnish government agency under the Ministry of Transport and Communications. It is responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance, and development of Finland’s transport infrastructure, with primary duties tied to the road and rail networks. The agency also oversees related infrastructure such as certain waterways and port facilities and provides services related to traffic management and asset data for the transport system.

Its core functions include asset management, development of long‑term plans for the road and rail networks, procurement of maintenance and construction services, and coordination with municipalities and other authorities on transport projects. Väylävirasto collects and analyzes infrastructure data, supports safety and accessibility improvements, and works to ensure interoperability within Finland’s transport system. The agency does not operate transport services itself; rather, it serves as the public administrator responsible for the physical infrastructure and its upkeep.

Organization and operations are based in Helsinki, with regional offices to support nationwide maintenance and project delivery. The agency is led by a director-general and operates under the policy framework set by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, collaborating with other national authorities, municipalities, and private contractors in carrying out road and rail investment and maintenance programs.

History and context: Väylävirasto began operating on 1 January 2019 as part of a reform of Finland’s transport administration. It took over the road and rail infrastructure responsibilities from the Finnish Transport Agency (Liikennevirasto). In the same period, Traficom, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, was established to handle safety, licensing, and regulatory tasks in transport and communications, while Väylävirasto focuses on infrastructure management and development.