26.04.2024
JANE-LY DAMMEKIVI
Project Manager, TREV-2 Grupp AS
The Rail Baltica project aims to develop a high-speed rail link that connects the Baltic States to the wider European rail infrastructure. The first phase of the Harju County main line is an important milestone in the project, which will build a new generation of rail infrastructure to support fast, safe and environmentally friendly rail transport.
The first, 4,8-kilometer-long railway section of the main route extends from Ülemiste to the intersection of Lagedi Road in Soodevahe, Rae rural municipality. The construction also includes the construction of a partial embankment for the Ülemiste station parking lot and the embankment of the railway section of the future prospective passenger car loading station.
Planned and ongoing works
The width of the railway embankment varies between 14 and 20 meters, and work is planned to begin this spring. In parallel with the construction of the railway embankment, the required drainage system, cable ducts, land improvement elements and retaining walls will be created, and existing utility networks will be relocated. In addition, it is planned to build a culvert on the section to allow safe movement for small animals.
The current focus is on land improvement works to ensure soil stability and optimise water regimes, which are essential for the long-term durability of the railway infrastructure. In addition, the cleaning and securing of the Soodevahe ditch is underway. These works are critical to preventing flooding and ensuring the preservation of the natural water flows in the area. We have actively engaged with local residents in the process and the cooperation has been very positive, thereby also increasing the credibility of the project in the eyes of the community.
The design of the railway is still ongoing, and preparations are underway to begin excavation work soon, which is the next major step in the physical construction of the railway route.
About traffic management
There are no significant changes to traffic management in the near future. The project management team has made significant efforts to minimize the impact of the construction work on surrounding traffic. However, the situation is constantly monitored and additional measures will be taken if necessary to ensure both traffic safety and the smooth running of the construction work.
The construction of the first phase of the Harjumaa main line is a significant step in the development of the international railway network, making a significant contribution to regional mobility, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Rail Baltica represents a high-tech and future-oriented approach to the development of transport infrastructure, ensuring better connectivity of Estonia and our southern neighbours with Europe.
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