Vantaa light rail: enabling smooth and sustainable mobility

The city of Vantaa, part of the Greater Helsinki region, is enhancing its public transport service with its first light rail connection, linking the eastern parts of the city to the rail network. This project will contribute to Vantaa’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030. Expected to be completed by 2029, the 19-kilometre route aims to attract 60,000 new residents and create 30,000 jobs along its path by 2050.

Ramboll and Sitowise have been selected to design the western section of the Vantaa light rail, extending from Helsinki Airport through the Jumbo shopping mall to Tikkurila. This section poses several design challenges, including proximity to the airport terminal, heavy traffic in the Jumbo area, power lines, and integrating the route into the existing urban structure.

In addition, a lengthy tunnel over half a kilometre long will pass under Tikkurila’s city centre and railway station. The eastern part of the route is designed and constructed simultaneously by another group of companies.

“We bring our global expertise to the table, aiming for resource-efficient solutions that achieve environmental benefits along with cost savings,” says Peter Molin, director at Ramboll. “Alliance work is a familiar and effective approach for us. Together with Sitowise, the contractor, the clients, and other stakeholders, we seek the most functional design solutions for this challenging route.”

“We now have partners experienced in similar alliance projects, enabling us to take full advantage of the development phase.” says Henry Westlin, City Engineer, City of Vantaa

Vantaa aims to foster growth along its strong public transport connections and the light rail will encourage the development of new residential and business areas. The route will create a growth corridor through central districts such as Hakunila, Tikkurila, and Aviapolis, serving commuters in these areas and shortening journey times from the eastern parts of Vantaa.

During construction, adjacent street areas will also be upgraded. Enhancements will include improved footpaths, bike lanes, and bike parking to facilitate transfers between different transport modes.

Sustainability, greenness, and ecology are fundamental principles in the design of the Vantaa light rail project. This involves implementing technically sustainable solutions in construction and adapting to climate change. The route also allows for the development of biodiversity, for instance, using natural stormwater delay ponds.

Overall, the Vantaa light rail project marks a significant step towards urban development and sustainability, positioning the city as a pivotal growth area.

Ramboll’s contribution to the project includes design management, street and civils design, bridge design, tramway track and electrification design, geotechnical design and surveys, environmental studies, landscape architecture, traffic planning, and risk management.