Helsinki road tunnel project proposed

A new tunnel project has been proposed for the Finnish capital, Helsinki. The road tunnel would connect Hermanni in the north east of the city with the Länsiväylä highway (route 51), which connects at present with roads on the south west of Helsinki. Building the tunnel is expected to cost €1.3-1.4 billion and the project envisages a link with a minimum of two lanes in either direction. A number of connecting tunnels are also planned that will link with other main roads along its route. The project would allow for greater pedestrianisation on the surface.

The Helsinki area features competent rock conditions, suiting it to the construction of tunnels. In addition, Finland is amongst the world’s leading developers and producers of drill and blast equipment for tunnelling work. And a number of country’s contractors have particular expertise with drill and blast techniques.