Border guards observed more active movement on the Russian side of the Saatse Boot area on Friday. They saw armed groups near the border.
Border Guard Chief Meelis Saarepuu said the groups moved onto the road and lined up across it. This posed a threat.
The Border Guard requested information from Russia. Russia said everything was normal. However, it was decided to temporarily close the road.
The Saatse Boot is in Võrumaa, where Russian territory cuts into Estonian territory. The road section is one kilometer long and is used to avoid detours.
Therefore, locals have to take a long detour. Public transport also needs to be reorganized.
Raul Kudre, the mayor of Setomaa, said the detour could be up to 10 kilometers long.
The construction of a detour road around the Saatse Boot has been discussed for a long time. Planning has now begun.
Interior Minister Igor Taro said the road construction is necessary. The decision and funding are now in place, but the process will take time.
Currently, the detour is organized through Värska, Treski, Matsuri, and Sesniki. The police are asking people to follow temporary traffic signs.