Destia and WSP to build Helsinki’s three new light rail lines
The group of bidders formed by Destia, WSP and Proxion (part of WSP) has been selected to design and build the Helsinki urban development and light rail program, which includes West Helsinki light rails, Viikki-Malmi light rail and West Harbour light rail.
The implementation of the program will be divided between two alliance groups. Destia and WSP placed first in the tender. The contract is expected to be signed in the coming weeks.
The first part is the West Helsinki light rail project, which includes the Vihdintie light rail, the western inner city’s new tramlines on Fredrikinkatu and Topeliuskenkatu, as well as related street investments. The development phase of the project begins at the beginning of 2025, and the goal is to start construction in 2026.
“Rail projects are strategically important for Destia, and we are pleased to have won two significant light rail projects in the Helsinki metropolitan area within a short period of time. Light rails bring substantial investments to cities and are an important means of reducing traffic emissions. In this alliance, we aim to utilize and develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions together with WSP and the customers,” says Tero Kiviniemi, CEO of Destia.
“The vision of the entire program is to collaboratively achieve the world’s best and most responsible urban development. We are fully committed to this in our alliance. Railways and trams, as well as the green transition, are strategic themes for us at WSP, so the development of rail transport also supports our own goals,” says Harri Yli-Villamo, CEO of WSP Finland.
A strong partnership ensures the success of the alliance
In the alliance model, the project’s parties, which also include the customers, jointly bear the responsibility for planning and construction. Destia and WSP have already worked together in the past, for example, in the Kalasatama Pasila tramway alliance, so the cooperation was smooth during the bidding phase. The companies bring versatile expertise and tested leadership skills as well as sustainable ways of working to Helsinki’s light rail program.
“In the alliance, we have common goals and develop our expertise together. The model also helps in managing costs and risks and brings flexibility. These are important factors in a project like this that lasts up to a decade. Yet, success is, above all, up to the people. It’s wonderful to continue with this enthusiastic and competent team towards the future, and the project will also provide opportunities for new professionals,” says project director Janne Korkalainen from Destia.
“This kind of urban development project is unique, and it offers a long-term opportunity to develop the entire industry. A new kind of innovative cooperation is required from us to create the best possible living and traffic environment for city dwellers. In this work, we can use the best available expertise, and also take on new people to learn,” says design director Jussi Borgenström from WSP Finland.
Developing the urban environment responsibly
The vision of the light rail program is connected not only to the construction of tramways but also to urban development more broadly. New homes for thousands of Helsinki residents will be built along the routes of the light rail lines. In addition to the light rail lines and streets, the projects will also build high-quality walking and cycling environments.
The impacts of climate change will be taken into consideration in all construction solutions and in the procurement. Destia and WSP bring to the project strong expertise and best practices for minimizing negative environmental impact.
About Destia
Destia is the biggest infrastructure service company in Finland and part of the global Colas Group. We create the foundations of a well-functioning society by designing, building and maintaining traffic and energy infrastructure for tomorrow. We do this with the unique sense of infrastructure of our approximately 1,700 professionals. Our revenue amounted to approximately MEUR 640 in 2023. www.destia.fi/en/
About WSP
WSP Finland is a design and consulting company combining different areas of expertise with 850 experts across Finland and 74 000 across the world. Together with our customers we create sustainable built environment for the future. Our global innovation and sustainability platform Future Ready™ supports us in this mission. www.wsp.com
Media enquiries
Janne Korkalainen, project director, Destia: tel. +358 40 097 4499, janne.korkalainen@destia.fi
Destia communications: tiedotus@destia.fi
Jussi Borgenström, design director, WSP Finland: tel. +358 40 555 6977, jussi.borgenstrom@wsp.com
WSP communications: viestinta@wsp.com