Construction work on the Vantaa tramway began on Monday with preparatory work at the Tikkurila station.
Temporary bridges are being built for all tracks and platforms at the station to prevent disruption to long-distance and commuter trains.
"Once the bridges are in place, construction of the tram tunnel can begin later in the autumn," said Pekka Kivelä, Project Director at Destia, responsible for building the western section of the Vantaa Light Rail.
Construction of the tram tunnel at Tikkurila station will take about three years.
The Vantaa tram line is scheduled to be completed by 2029. Once finished, it will run from Mellunmäki in Helsinki to Helsinki Airport in Vantaa.
As part of the preparatory work, trains using platforms 5 and 6 at Tikkurila station will be closed for a couple of weeks.
HSL will provide updates on any timetable changes for train services.
"Some commuter train services may run less frequently, but overall, train traffic will mainly continue as normal," Kivelä said.
Noise warning
Kivelä noted that residents in the Tikkurila area should expect noise over the next six months, as work will continue around the clock. Night shifts are necessary because train traffic is reduced or halted, allowing for tasks like pile drilling.
"We aim to build acoustic barriers to reduce noise as much as possible, but people should be aware that a major tram line is being built here, and it will be visible in the streetscape," Kivelä said.
According to Kivelä, due to Tikkurila's clay soil conditions, the tram tunnel will be constructed as an open excavation.
"We will build concrete walls and a concrete roof structure inside the excavation. Once finished, everything will be covered underground," he said, adding that the excavation site will be screened off with plywood and other barriers.
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