Picture above: At the Tikkurila tram  line construction site, from left:  Project Manager Alexei Kesonen (Destia),  Drill Master Raivo Forsel (Robit) and  Site Manager Kai Jaakkola (Destia)

After decades of planning, the Vantaa light rail project in Finland has entered construction. Preparatory works began in spring 2025 in the Tikkurila railway station area, and by the end of the year, construction sites were launched elsewhere along the route as well. 

Two alliances, one shared goal 

The Vantaa light rail is being built using an alliance model, in which the client, engineering partners, and contractors operate as a single integrated team. In Vantaa, the project is divided into an eastern and a western alliance. On the west side, Destia acts as the construction contractor, with Ramboll and Sitowise responsible for engineering.

The western alliance section runs from the airport to Jokiniemi and includes a tram tunnel passing beneath Tikkurila railway station.

Tikkurila – a demanding transport hub

At Destia, the ground improvement works for the Vantaa light rail project are led by Project Manager Alexei Kesonen.

“One of the most challenging sections of the entire project is the Tikkurila station area, where an under-ground concrete tunnel of about 800 metres is being built. This requires extensive excavations, in which Robit’s drilling tools play a critical role,” Alexei explains. The tunnel will link rail traffic at Tikkurila with the future tram line, with the tram stop located underground.

Towards the end of the year, a pipe pile wall project is underway in Tikkurila. Some 400 piles of a Ø 610 mm drilled pile wall are being drilled 1–2 metres into the bedrock. The piling work is performed with Robit casing systems – Robit® DTH SR pilot and ring bits – together with an 18” Down the Hole hammer.

In addition to pipe pile walls, excavations are supported by sheet pile walls and combi walls. At its deepest point, the pipe pile wall reaches 13 metres.

“All excavation walls will later be anchored with cable anchors, drilled using a DTH hammer and Robit’s through-drilling reamers and pilots. The tunnel excavation will also include 220 mm rock sockets. 323 mm pipe piles support the tunnel base slab. All critical drilling equipment comes from Robit, and it has performed reliably,” Alexei says.

Pipe-pile-wall piling ongoing

On-site support from Robit

Robit Sales Manager Jonne Merikanto adds that,  in addition to supplying tools, Robit supports the tram project by sharpening the customer’s pilot  bits and servicing hammers at its Suutarila facility. Robit’s Drillmaster Raivo Forsel is also available to Destia whenever needed. “Destia has such skilled drillers, though, that they rarely need assistance,” Raivo notes with a smile.

A central location brings its own challenges

The Tikkurila construction site is located close to the railway, in the heart of the city. “This places significant constraints on the work, most notably public transport operations, traffic management, and limited working space,” Alexei explains.

“In demanding sites like this, the alliance model has proven to be an excellent solution. Its greatest strength lies in flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions. The model allows the client, engineers, and contractors to jointly develop and adjust plans almost in real time to find the best possible solution for each situation.” 

“At this early stage of excavation, the greatest challenges are likely to be underground. We expect significant volumes of pressurised groundwater and sections of poor-quality rock. The collaborative nature of the alliance model is crucial for managing and resolving these geotechnical challenges efficiently.”

Foundation works at Tikkurila station will continue well into 2026. In spring, the pile walls will be anchored at a 45° angle into the bedrock using Robit’s through-drilling Prime DT systems.

At the same time, construction of the Vantaa light rail will expand in stages to other sections of the route. If everything proceeds as planned, tram operations in Vantaa will begin in late 2029.

From left – Robit's Drillmaster Raivo Forsel with Site Supervisor Ahti Liivak , Site Manager Kai Jaakkola, and Site Supervisor Santeri Niemi from Destia

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