Challenging railway tunnel project kicks off in Malminkartano – Kreate combines railway and rock construction for the first time
Kreate and Helsinki Metropolitan Area Transport have signed a contract for extensive renovation work on the tunnel at Malminkartano railway station in Helsinki. The value of the project to be carried out on the Ring Rail Line is nearly 9 million euros. This is the first project in which Kreate’s rail unit is combining its specialized expertise with the company’s new rock construction unit.
At Malminkartano, Kreate is carrying out an extensive renovation of the train station on the Ring Rail Line in Helsinki, which was built inside a tunnel in the 1970s. The project includes the renovation of the structures at the Malminkartano tunnel station, concrete repairs to the platform areas, and a complete overhaul of the electrical systems.
“At the same time, we are constructing special structures in the rock cuts of the station tunnel to prevent aufeis buildup—that is, thick layers of ice formed by runoff water on the rock surfaces. We are also upgrading the external water management systems and rebuilding the tunnel’s insulation structure, which will also prevent the formation of aufeis. This is how we ensure the durability of the rock structures and improve passenger safety in the station tunnel,” says Tero Inkala, site manager at Kreate.
The renovation of Malminkartano station is part of a project by City Transport to renovate three stations along the Ring Rail Line, with the aim of improving their comfort, accessibility, and safety. The Malminkartano station is the most technically challenging of the three, as the entire tunnel is being renovated and its structures are being replaced both inside and out.
“The goal is for the station tunnel to remain in service for another 50 years. The project will be carried out in phases, considering train traffic conditions, including single-track sections in May, August, and September, as well as a complete shutdown lasting just over two months during the summer. During these phases, we’ll be working on a tight schedule, which means that critical demolition, formwork, concrete pouring, and electrical and grounding work must all be completed at once and safely,” Inkala notes.
New rock construction unit involved in a challenging project
At Malminkartano, Kreate’s rail engineering expertise and its rock construction unit, established at the beginning of the year, are carrying out their first joint project.
The plaza areas located at both ends of the station tunnel and the surrounding dense residential area make this a work environment that requires special arrangements. All logistics for the project, such as the transport of machinery, equipment, and materials to be dismantled, will mainly take place by rail.
The work is carried out by Kreate’s own staff and equipment, which ensures consistent procedures, rapid response, and high-quality execution in demanding conditions.
“Our first joint project has generated a lot of enthusiasm, and we have found solutions that allow the project to move forward smoothly and safely. The Malminkartano project is special to us because we worked as a team with the rail unit to devise the best solutions, and this collaborative approach is precisely where Kreate’s strength lies. Now the focus shifts to the implementation phase, where our collective expertise really comes into its own,” says Heikki Pöyhönen, head of Kreate’s rock construction unit.
The renovation of the tunnel area is proceeding in phases
The impact of the renovation of three Ring Rail Line stations on train passengers will first be felt at Malminkartano, where trains will no longer stop starting May 3, 2026, even though train service will continue to the other stations. Preparatory work will begin in April, and demolition and construction will start immediately after 1st of May.
The key construction phases, such as the demolition of the tunnel’s old lining, rock reinforcement, and the construction of the new lining, will be carried out during the rail service suspension from June 1 to August 9, 2026.
“In this phased renovation, the demolition of the canopy structures and related fixtures and lighting will be completed by the end of May; the replacement of the tunnel lining will be completed in July; and all work necessary for the station’s operation will be completed by the end of August. At that time, both platforms will be available for passengers,” says Inkala.
The renovation project will be carried out in accordance with the Green Deal’s principles for zero-emission construction sites and is scheduled for completion in October–November. The client is Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd. Kreate has added a contract worth nearly 9 million euros to its first-quarter order book.