NEW MÄHKÖNSILTA BRIDGE RESTORES MUCH-NEEDED TRANSPORT LINK OVER THE LIEKSA RIVER

Kreate is the main contractor for the project, which includes the demolition of the existing bridge, the construction and demolition of the work bridge and the construction of the new Mähkönsilta Bridge. Of the three bidders, Kreate met the high requirements of the contracting authority, the City of Lieksa, for the execution of the overall contract.

The current bridge over the Lieksa River is a reinforced concrete arch bridge, which will be demolished by the end of September 2025. The new bridge will be a 114-metre-long concrete continuous girder bridge. With an effective width of 11,3 metres, including 3,5 metres for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the new bridge will be almost 6,5 metres wider than its predecessor. The bridge will feature wood-clad steel railings and spectacular remote-controlled LED lighting.

The current arch bridge, opened in 1930, has been closed to vehicular traffic for more than 10 years due to its poor condition and has been used only by walkers and cyclists. The two-jole bridge is based on wooden piles, while the new bridge has three openings and is piled with steel piles. The piling of the substructures will be carried out by KFS Finland Oy’s specialist foundation contractors, part-owned by Kreate. Fluctuations in the water level and flow conditions of the Lieksa River increase the complexity of construction.

In addition to the actual bridge works, Kreate will carry out the rehabilitation of approximately 350 metres of pavement and stormwater network, as well as asphalting, lighting and landscaping works in the contract area.

When the new Mähkönsilta Bridge is opened by the end of November 2026 at the latest, a much-needed transport link across the Lieksa River will be restored. The entire project will be completed by the end of 2026.

The contractor is the City of Lieksa and the contract period is 4/2025-12/2026. The contract is worth approximately 5,4 million euros.