Kreate and GRK signed a contract for the second phase of the eastern section of the Vantaa Light Rail – Kreate’s share is approximately 79 million euros

The consortium formed by Kreate and GRK signed a contract on May 5, 2026, for the second phase of the eastern section of the Vantaa Light Rail. The revised total cost estimate for the Vantaa Light Rail project is approximately 750 million euros, of which the construction cost estimate for the eastern section alliance is 250 million euros. The construction costs will be divided equally among the consortium members, and Kreate will record approximately €79 million from the second phase of the project in its order book.

Construction of the Vantaa Light Rail began in 2025, and service is expected to begin in late 2029. The first partial order for the project was signed in November 2025. The second contract now signed covers the remaining section of the tramway to be built in Vantaa, as well as the street, municipal engineering, and water supply works to be carried out in Vantaa.

The value of the second contract award for the Eastern Alliance is approximately 182 million euros, of which construction accounts for approximately 157 million euros. Kreate’s share of the second partial order is approximately 79 million euros, and the company will record it in its second-quarter order book.

“The Vantaa Light Rail project is a significant undertaking not only for the City of Vantaa but also for Kreate. Its smooth progress further strengthens our confidence in our collaboration with the client and our alliance partners. We have successfully brought together the expertise of all parties involved, ensuring a predictable and safe implementation—which is particularly important in such a demanding rail transport project,” sums up Timo Vikström, CEO of Kreate Group.

The Eastern Alliance is building a tram line from Kuninkaala to Mellunmäki

The construction of the Vantaa Light Rail will be carried out by two consortia. In the Eastern Alliance, the contractors are Kreate Oy and GRK Suomi Oy, and the designers are AFRY Finland Oy, Sweco Finland Oy, and WSP Finland Oy. Jonna Tuomiranta from GRK serves as the project manager for the Eastern Alliance, and Sami Kari from Kreate serves as the assistant project manager.

“Both companies have extensive experience in large-scale rail and infrastructure investments as well as alliance projects. We have been able to pool our expertise on the Vantaa tram project, which has resulted in systematic progress and the development of implementation solutions for this challenging project,” says Tuomiranta.

The Eastern Alliance is building an approximately 8.5-kilometer-long tram line from Kuninkaala in Vantaa to the Mellunmäki metro station in Helsinki. In addition to the tram system, the project includes stops, traffic lanes, bike paths, sidewalks, and underground infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines and ground reinforcement. In addition, new bridges will be built in the eastern section over Ring Road III, Porvoonväylä, and Lahdentie.

Work is expanding in Vantaa with the addition of a second contract

Construction of the eastern section of the Vantaa tram line began in December 2025, and work has been progressing at a steady pace.

“We have successfully coordinated our work with the various regions. I am particularly pleased with the coordination of the planning for the Fazerila area and the demolition of the overpasses at the Hakunila end. Preparatory construction work has expanded to cover nearly the entire Eastern Alliance region. The only area where we haven’t started work yet is Fazerila,” Kari says.

During the spring, construction sites will expand significantly, particularly on Hakunilantie and Länsimäentie. Roadwork will begin along the entire length of Kyytitie, from the Heidehof roundabout to the intersection of Kyytitie and Hakunilantie. Installation of the tram tracks will begin in late summer.

“The pace of construction is picking up as summer approaches. That is why we also prioritize safety both during construction and in the vicinity of construction sites. We regularly organize events with residents and actively solicit feedback. Through proactive engagement, we ensure the safety of those who live and travel in the area and help alleviate concerns,” Kari says.

The third phase is coming to the Helsinki side, along with a separate project at the Vaarala depot

The Eastern Alliance’s responsibilities also include the construction of a tram line on the Helsinki side in the Mellunmäki area. The City of Helsinki is currently preparing a zoning plan amendment for the Mellunmäki centre area, which is why construction of the Helsinki section will not be contracted until the third phase of the project. The target completion date for the project is the turn of the year 2026–2027.

Kreate and GRK are also serving as construction partners in the Vaarala depot rail yard alliance. The consortium is responsible for the earthwork and track infrastructure for the tram depot to be built in Vaarala, as well as the electrical track and system work. The project commissioned by the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Transport is currently in the development phase. The transition to the implementation phase is expected to take place in the summer of 2026. The Vaarala depot will enable the Vantaa tram service to begin operating on schedule in 2029.