The Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel project is advancing to the next phase

12:00 pm UTC February 15, 2017 Feb 15, 2017 | by: Sweco | Civil engineering

(Photo by: Sweco)

Sweco is participating in the feasibility study investigating various technical solutions for the potential Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel. The study is being conducted as a joint venture between Sweco, Amberg Engineering and WSP.

A feasibility study focused on preparing an implementation plan to support the project’s decision-making process. This study is a continuation of the pre-feasibility study conducted by Sweco in 2015, which resolved various aspects of project execution, traffic structure and potential socioeconomic impact.

In addition to investigating technical solutions, the study will evaluate the project’s economic impact. A fixed link between Helsinki and Tallinn is expected to enhance business opportunities for both capital cities.

“New sustainable solutions are needed to improve the flow of freight and passenger traffic across the Gulf of Finland. The Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel would create an important link between Scandinavia and Central Europe. We are investigating the various technical solutions at hand, such as station location, train types and operational solutions for traffic flow. The strategic environmental impact assessment is also now part of the study. Sweco was also involved in the initial pre-feasibility study phase, so we can utilise our previous knowledge of the project’s impact and requirements”, says Sweco Environment Director Juho Siipo.

The project team comprises multidisciplinary experts: Sweco Finland and Estonia are joining a consortium with WSP Finland and Sweden and Amberg Engingeering from Switzerland. Amberg Engineering has collaborated with Sweco in several international transport projects, including the Brussels and Paris metros and a high-speed railway line in Sweden.

'’Amberg Engineering Ltd is expert in planning, design and site supervision of ultra-long tunnels such as the Gibraltar Strait Tunnel and the Gotthard Base Tunnel. This accumulated knowledge of the specific characteristics of such infrastructures will be very conducive for this feasibility study’’, says the president of the Amberg Group Felix Amberg.

The contracting authorities for the project are the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council, the Harju County Government of Estonia, and the cities of Helsinki and Tallinn.The results of the pre-feasibility study will be available at the end of 2017.