YIT Secures €73 Million Contract for Phase Four of Espoo Urban Railway Project
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has awarded YIT a major infrastructure contract to deliver Area Contract 4 of the Espoo Urban Railway project, covering the railway section between Espoo Center and Kauklahti. The agreement, signed on March 5, 2026, is valued at approximately EUR 73 million, marking another significant milestone in the development of one of the most important rail infrastructure projects in the Helsinki metropolitan region. The project will be included in YIT’s order book for the first quarter of 2026, with preparatory works scheduled to begin in March. Construction activities are expected to continue over several years, with completion planned for 2029.
The contract further strengthens YIT’s long-standing involvement in the Espoo Urban Railway development. The company has participated in the project since its earliest phases and has already taken on key roles in several construction segments. Currently, YIT serves as the main contractor responsible for excavation works and is also one of the two primary contractors for Area Contract 2. Securing Area Contract 4 therefore expands the company’s responsibilities and reinforces its role as a central partner in the implementation of this large-scale rail modernization initiative.
The Espoo Urban Railway project is designed to significantly enhance commuter rail services along the busy coastal railway line in southern Finland. Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure will allow trains to operate more frequently between the districts of Leppävaara and Kauklahti, improving the overall capacity and reliability of the rail network. The project will also help address long-standing challenges related to punctuality and operational disruptions on the line, which is a critical transport corridor for thousands of daily commuters traveling in and out of the Helsinki metropolitan area.
According to Aleksi Laine, Executive Vice President of the Infra segment at YIT, the project represents a major opportunity for the company to demonstrate its expertise in rail construction and infrastructure delivery. He noted that the Espoo Urban Railway is among the most significant transport projects currently underway in the region. Over the past several years, YIT has invested heavily in expanding its rail construction capabilities, enabling the company to deliver comprehensive infrastructure solutions even for highly complex and technically demanding projects. Laine emphasized that participating in the development of such a vital transportation connection is a source of pride for the company and aligns closely with its strategic focus on infrastructure growth.
From the perspective of the project owner, the contract marks an important step toward advancing construction progress across the railway corridor. Tommi Rosenvall, Project Manager at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, highlighted the challenging nature of the project. He explained that the railway expansion involves an exceptionally large scope of work and requires careful coordination with ongoing rail operations. Despite these challenges, the project team is eager to move forward with the next phase of construction. Rosenvall also pointed out that upcoming rail traffic closures will allow construction crews to fully utilize available work windows across the entire project area for the first time this year, helping accelerate progress.
Within Area Contract 4, some of the most visible changes will occur in the vicinity of Kauklahti station. The project includes the construction of a new underpass beneath the railway tracks, improving accessibility and traffic flow in the station area. In addition, a new southern side platform will be built to accommodate future rail services, while the existing island platform will be widened to enhance passenger capacity and safety.
A key part of the infrastructure upgrade involves the addition of a new pair of railway tracks, which will be constructed to the south of the existing line. This expansion is essential for increasing the operational capacity of the route and enabling the more frequent commuter train services planned once the project is completed. Some sections of this work will overlap with the Kaupunginkallio excavation, requiring careful planning and coordination between multiple construction activities.
The contract also includes the development of several major supporting structures. Among them is a new railway bridge over the Espoonjoki River, which will form an important component of the upgraded rail alignment. Additional structures include the construction of new Vadetinportti underpasses beneath the railway as well as the widening of the Vantinportti underpass bridge. These elements are designed to improve both railway operations and local road connectivity, ensuring that the expanded rail infrastructure integrates effectively with surrounding transport networks.
Another technically demanding component of the project involves the installation of nearly one kilometer of slab track between the Espoonjoki River and Kauklahti station. Slab track systems are known for their durability and reduced maintenance requirements compared with traditional ballast track. In this section, the slab track will be protected by retaining walls, allowing construction to take place while train services continue to operate nearby. Maintaining rail operations during construction adds an extra layer of complexity to the project and requires precise coordination and safety management.
The initial phase of construction will focus on a range of preparatory activities designed to support the larger building works that follow. These early tasks include constructing access roads, performing ground stabilization, building retaining walls, and transporting materials to the eastern portion of the contract area. Establishing this groundwork is essential to ensure that subsequent construction stages can proceed efficiently and safely.
Once fully completed, the Espoo Urban Railway will deliver substantial benefits for both passengers and the broader transportation system. By increasing the number of available tracks along the route, the project will enable more frequent commuter rail services, helping to meet the growing demand for public transportation in the rapidly expanding Helsinki metropolitan area. In addition, the infrastructure improvements will enhance the punctuality and reliability of services on the coastal railway line.
The project is also expected to reduce disruptions caused by delays or maintenance issues, as the expanded track capacity will provide greater operational flexibility for railway operators. For commuters, this means shorter waiting times, smoother journeys, and a more dependable rail network.
As construction progresses over the coming years, the collaboration between the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and YIT will play a central role in delivering this transformative railway upgrade. By 2029, the completed Espoo Urban Railway is expected to become a cornerstone of the region’s public transport system, supporting sustainable mobility and strengthening connections across the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Source Link:https://www.yitgroup.com/
