WE ARE CONSTRUCTING AND RELOCATING TWO RAILWAY BRIDGES AS PART OF THE LEVEL CROSSING ARRANGEMENTS IN A DESIGN AND BUILD CONTRACT IN YLIVIESKA

Bridge relocation specialist Kreate is constructing and relocating two railway bridges as part of the level crossing improvements between Mäntyniemi and Lohitie. The project, aimed at enhancing level crossing safety, is being carried out as a Design and Build contract on the Ylivieska-Iisalmi railway section.

The Design and Build contract commissioned by the Finnish Transport Agency includes the design and construction of the Mäntyniemi underpass bridge and the Lohitie pedestrian underpass on the Ylivieska-Iisalmi section. Kreate’s professionals will be responsible for the execution of the project and, together with Sundström Ab Oy, for the design.

This multi-phase project, implemented using a bridge relocation method, emphasises precise planning, specialised equipment, and strong technical expertise. In spring 2025, we will carry out preliminary planning and preparatory works for the railway bridges, including the design of relocation tracks, drilled and driven piling, as well as scaffolding and formwork operations.

Bridge construction will progress simultaneously on an efficient schedule, with the actual relocations taking place in August-September 2025. First, we will relocate the Lohitie pedestrian underpass during a tight 24-hour rail traffic shutdown, followed a few days later by the relocation of the Mäntyniemi underpass bridge, also during a 24-hour rail traffic interruption.

The Mäntyniemi underpass bridge will be approximately 37 metres long and weigh around 700 tons. Nearby, we are constructing the 27-metre-long Lohitie pedestrian underpass, which will weigh about 500 tons. Both bridges, as well as the relocation tracks, will be founded directly on the ground. In this challenging bridge project, we are working in close cooperation with our affiliated company KFS Finland, which is responsible for drilled and driven piling of the bridges, geotechnical design related to the rock conditions at the bridge sites, and any potential rock grouting.

The construction of the Mäntyniemi and Lohitie railway bridges is part of the project aimed at improving level crossing safety by eliminating three level crossings. The Design and Build contract also includes extensive earthworks as well as road and drainage arrangements, which are the responsibility of Sundström.

The client is the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency / Sundström, and the contract period is from April 2025 to May 2026.