Finnish companies form new partnership for Tampere rail project

Finnish companies YIT, Pöyry Finland and VR Track have signed an alliance contract with the city of Tampere and Tampereen Raitiotie to deliver the second phase of the €238.8m Tampere light rail project.

The alliance model is designed to facilitate cooperation between the client, designers and contractors throughout the project.

Scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020, the development phase is expected to require an investment of €2.9m.

The phase will see the review of the best possible solutions to support the construction of the rail line between Pyynikintori and Lentäväniemi in Finland, and will be designed and constructed in cooperation with the companies, residents and communities of the city.

YIT vice-president Jarkko Salmenoja said: “The development of growing urban environments is strategically important to YIT.

“Regarding the implementation of projects, we want to be involved in the development of more cooperative implementation models. In the Tampere light rail project, both of these aspects are realised.

“The cooperation between the parties in the alliance in earlier phases of the project has already shown its capabilities, and it is great that we can continue this in the development phase of the western section as well.”

Construction of the second part of the Tampere light rail line is expected to be completed by 2024.

Under the ongoing first part of the project, a 15km rail line will be built from city centre to Hervanta and the Central Hospital, and a depot will be constructed in Hervanta in Finland.

“The second part of the Tampere light rail project is an interesting and challenging urban light rail project, where the alliance can now take full advantage of the experiences of the first part,” said Mikko Inkala, Pöyry business unit president.

“At Pöyrywe are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer our infrastructure expertise in the second part of this project as well.”