Sweco to continue feasibility study of Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel project
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.
The Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel project is advancing to the next phase: 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.
For additional information, please contact:
Juho Siipo, Director, Sweco Environment, +358 40 076 4890, juho.siipo@sweco.fi
Åsa Barsness, Communications Director, +46 8 695 66 40, asa.barsness@sweco.se
Sweco plans and designs tomorrow’s communities and cities. Our work produces sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure and access to electricity and clean water. With 14,500 employees in Europe, we offer our customers the right expertise for every situation. We carry out projects in 70 countries annually throughout the world. Sweco is Europe’s leading engineering and architecture consultancy, with sales of approximately SEK 16.5 billion (EUR 1.7 billion). The company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.