A contract won by Kreate brings a major underground project in Tampere into development phase
Kreate and the City of Tampere have signed a development phase agreement for the implementation of the first contract for Viinikankatu and the underground road connection. The project serves as a starting point for the next phase of development of parking and traffic solutions in the city centre, as well as for connecting the P-Hämppi extension to south-eastbound traffic. The contract value in the procurement procedure is estimated at approximately €24 million. Final cost will be specified during the development phase based on the construction solutions selected. The implementation phase will commence with a separate agreement.
The contract won by Kreate involves the construction of the first section of an underground road connection from Viinikankatu towards the railway station. The project will take place between 2026 and 2028, and it will begin with a development phase. During this phase, Kreate works with the client and other project team members to plan the implementation of the work in more detail and assess the adequacy of the current baseline data regarding soil, bedrock, groundwater levels, and other conditions.
“It’s great to be able to build solutions in Tampere that will serve its residents for decades to come. The project is technically demanding and exceptionally interesting. Building a deep excavation next to busy traffic and sensitive structures requires a high level of expertise. This is precisely where Kreate’s experienced professionals are at their best,” says Timo Vikström, CEO of Kreate Group.
“We are developing Tampere city centre as a cohesive entity, with a focus on promoting solutions for ground transportation, parking, and maintenance networks. The underground network will support smooth traffic flow and the functionality of the city center as the city continues to grow in the coming decades. Our goal is a safer, more functional, and more pleasant city,” says Mervi Huhtelin, Project Development Manager of the City of Tampere.
A challenging deep excavation is being built in the middle of busy traffic
The construction of the entrance to the new University Tunnel, which is a part of the project, will be located on current Viinikankatu, which will be widened to accommodate the underground road connection. The project also includes the renovation of Viinikankatu, the reorganization of streets and intersections, and preparations for future underground solutions.
“In this project, we are combining special foundation construction, concrete tunnel construction, and connection solutions for the future rock tunnel. To create an underground road connection, we are digging a 30-meter-deep excavation, as the bedrock is located approximately 30 meters below ground level and about 10 meters below the water table. In addition, our contract includes coordinating the plans for a 30-meter-long rock tunnel section,” says construction manager Mika Seppälä from Kreate.
As a result of the contract won by Kreate, the first section of the underground road connection will be created on Viinikankatu when the entrance to the University Tunnel and its connections are completed. The aim is to achieve the smoothest possible driving line, a short concrete tunnel section, and a safe connection point to the rock tunnel to be built after Kreate’s contract.
“In accordance with the project plan, we will ensure that vehicle traffic flows in both directions throughout the construction period,” Seppälä states.
The implementation phase is expected to begin in spring 2026. The contract is worth approximately €24 million, which will be specified in more detail during the development phase as construction solutions are selected. The implementation phase will commence with a separate agreement. Kreate will record the project in its order book once the implementation phase begins.
