The expansion of the Tampere Tram network to Pirkkala and Linnainmaa will provide smooth, sustainable transportation for a growing region. The new tramway will be implemented in two phases.
The construction work for the first phase began at the end of 2024 and will continue until summer 2028. The second-phase sections from Partola to Suuppa and from Ruotula to Linnainmaa are planned for construction between 2028 and 2032.
The project is a significant step for the Tampere region toward smoother and more environmentally friendly everyday mobility. In addition to tramway construction, the extensive infrastructure project includes street, bridge, and depot works. Planning and implementation are being carried out under an alliance model involving collaboration among several organizations. The construction contractors are YIT Infra Oy and NRC Group Finland Oy, while AFRY Finland Oy and Sweco Finland Oy are responsible for design.
Suppliers and Contractors Carry Significant Responsibility
The tramway project includes track construction with accompanying street works, structural engineering works, expansion of the existing depot, and construction of power supply substations. According to Veetu Helkiö, Site Manager for Structural Works in the Tampere Tram Pirkkala–Linnainmaa Alliance, coordinating the various parts of the project is a critical success factor in a large-scale infrastructure development.
“When designing structural works, many aspects must be considered, including municipal requirements for architecture, infrastructure, and the environment. In this project, integrating different technical disciplines and contractors requires precise coordination. In a project of this scale, reliable products and suppliers play a major role,” says Helkiö.Flexible Delivery Schedules Enable Smooth Construction
Peikko is supplying ECO-galvanized anchor bolts to the Tampere Tram Pirkkala–Linnainmaa project. These bolts are used in the foundations of the tramway’s overhead line poles. Hundreds of power poles are required along the route, forming the backbone of the entire electrical supply system. Each pole is installed on a precisely dimensioned foundation, where anchor bolts embedded inside the structure ensure durability and stability. Peikko’s ECO-galvanized bolts provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for the project.
“Partially galvanized, or ECO-galvanized, bolts combine cost-efficiency with the significant advantage that they can be cast into concrete immediately after delivery, without any ageing period. They are an excellent and flexible choice for projects that require both good corrosion resistance and fast installation,” says Mika Vehviläinen, Sales Manager at Peikko.
Because of the large number of poles and the phased construction of their foundations along different sections of the route, delivery flexibility and product availability play a vital role in maintaining project progress. Peikko’s standard products, including the ECO-galvanized bolts selected for this project, are continuously available from stock. Deliveries to site can typically be made within about a week, enabling rapid response and helping the project stay on schedule.
“To date, Peikko has made approximately 15 deliveries to the project. Each delivery includes hundreds of bolts per bolt type, with four different types being used: HPM®24P-ECO, PPM®36L-ECO, PPM®36P-ECO, and PPM®39P-ECO. Foundations have already been cast and bolt installation has begun, so the work is still ongoing,” says Vehviläinen.
Peikko’s Reputation as a Reliable Partner
Peikko was selected for the project not only because of the performance characteristics of its ECO-galvanized bolts, but also due to its well-established reputation for reliable cooperation. Veetu Helkiö especially praises Peikko’s delivery reliability and flexibility. Peikko was already a familiar supplier to Helkiö, with whom previous experiences had been positive.
“We have worked with Peikko on previous Tampere tram projects, and everything has gone extremely well. That is why we wanted to use Peikko as the supplier of ECO-galvanized bolts for this project as well. The product is well suited to the project, deliveries have been fast, and the quality has met expectations—exactly what is required for a project of this scale,” says Helkiö.
Although bolts and individual products represent only a small part of a much larger project, timely deliveries and quality that supports construction planning contribute significantly to efficiency and reliability on site.
Delivery Capability and Open Communication Form the Foundation of Partnership
In addition to anchor bolts, Peikko has supplied other standard products to the project, including WELDA® fixing plates and floor expansion joint reinforcements. Like the bolts, these products are stocked and readily available for rapid delivery according to customer requirements. In a project such as the Pirkkala–Linnainmaa tramway, however, products alone are not enough. Reliable communication and close cooperation are essential to success. These are key reasons why Peikko continues to be selected as a partner for projects time and time again.
“Our experiences of working with Peikko have been very positive. The cooperation works extremely well: deliveries have arrived on time and communication has been smooth and straightforward,” says Helkiö.
Construction of the tramway will continue for several more years, with many deliveries, solutions, and coordination efforts still ahead. For Peikko, the work is far from over and will continue as part of keeping daily operations running smoothly on site. When components perform as expected and deliveries arrive on time, the entire project chain keeps moving forward.
