Multi-faceted expertise required for the extensive Helsinki-Riihimäki project

The first track construction project began in May 2023, when we started building more than three kilometers of new track between Kytömaa and Ainola on the main line, as well as three bridges and nine switches, seven of which are final gears and two are temporary gears. In addition, we improve and reinforce the track ground conditions by driving and drilling piles, installing pile slabs, and constructing structural layers to support the track. The project also includes the construction of new culverts under the railway line and some road and street work.

In the second HERI2 track construction project and the HERI2 Kytömaa–Ainola design and implementation electrical track construction project, which began at the same time, we will build new structures on the eastern side of Ainola station, including a lift shaft and an underpass bridge, and we will design and electrify approximately 3.5 kilometers of track. In addition, the project includes more than seven kilometers of overhead line work.

In June 2024, we will move from the eastern side to the western side of Finland’s busiest railway section in the construction project we won. Our professionals will build, among other things, a new western track between Kytömaa and Järvenpää, five bridges, and six new switches, as well as dismantling two old switches. In addition, we will carry out preloading work and construct noise barriers on both sides of the track, as well as make the necessary changes to the existing western track.

In September 2024, we started a project to build preloads and electric rail foundations for additional tracks to be built later between Purola and Nuppulinna. Our over €5 million contract is preliminary construction work for the actual construction contract, which will be put out to tender later. The latest contract was signed in March 2025, when we began work on a €2 million pier foundation contract between Purola and Nuppulinna.

In December 2025, we signed a contract worth approximately €40 million with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. In the latest Purola–Nuppulinna project, we are carrying out the completion of all construction work, including foundation work, substructure and superstructure work, electrical track, high-voltage and lighting work, outdoor security equipment installation, noise barriers, and structural engineering work. Compared to previous contracts carried out by Kreate for the Helsinki–Riihimäki project, the company will have one additional type of construction work in the new contract as exceptionally demanding excavation work at Hornankallio, located on the railway section, requires expertise in rock construction.

We can leverage Kreate’s own expertise in track, bridge, and road construction as well as the circular economy in all our projects, which streamlines and enhances our work in tight schedules and demanding conditions. KFS Finland Oy, a joint venture partly owned by Kreate, also plays an important role, carrying out special foundation construction work on the project, such as piling and stabilisation.

Multiple simultaneous and staggered projects in a compact area require coordination and seamless cooperation, good planning, and scheduling with the client and other partners. The busy railway line and extremely challenging ground conditions pose their own challenges for construction.

Kreate actively explores opportunities to promote environmental friendliness and circular economy in its projects. For example, in the Kytömaa–Ainola project, we are utilizing the edge beams of old bridges by turning them into crushed concrete in our own circular economy areas, which we plan to utilize in other projects in the Helsinki capital region.

The contracts in the project employ skilled and committed professionals who, through the master-apprentice model offered by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s mentoring program, are increasing their expertise and references in the infrastructure sector as the contracts progress. This enables our track workers to advance to more demanding tasks and to positions of responsibility and leadership in projects.

The Helsinki-Riihimäki project will improve the reliability of Finland’s busiest railway section, enable an increase in passenger traffic, and promote the competitiveness of freight transport. This large-scale project will be implemented in three phases, the first of which is under construction between 2016 and 2024. Kreate has also been involved in the first phase, carrying out three different track and bridge construction projects between Ainola and Purola. The cost estimate for the second phase, to be built between 2021 and 2028, is €273 million.

The second phase includes Kreate’s construction projects worth over €50 million, which were completed between Kytömaa and Ainola in December 2024 as well as HERI2 RU2 Kytömaa-Ainola railway construction and HERI2 Kytömaa-Ainola design and implementation – electrical railway construction. The tracks on the west side and the structures related to the project are scheduled to be completed by July 2027. All of Kreate’s contracts have been commissioned by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, and the total value of the construction contracts is nearly €100 million.