Phase 1 of the Tampere Tramway’s Pirkkala–Linnainmaa line passed the halfway mark at the end of June, according to the alliance building it. More than 50 percent of the design and construction work is complete, while 42 percent of the implementation period has passed, so the work is partly ahead of schedule. Passenger service on the two new sections is due to begin in August 2028.
Where the work stands
Phase 1 covers the tramway between the Kauppi Campus and Ruotula stops, and between Sorin aukio and Partola. Of the 7.1 track-kilometres to be built in this phase, more than 2.7 kilometres have been installed, and most of the remaining rails are due to be laid this year. The underground municipal engineering work is in its final stage. The Härmälänoja bridge is due to be completed in August and the Viinikanlahti bridge in autumn.
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| Design and construction completed | more than 50% |
| Implementation period passed | 42% |
| Track installed | more than 2.7 of 7.1 km |
| Passenger service | from August 2028 |
How the work is organised
Within the alliance, design is carried out continuously alongside construction. Design manager Jukka Heinonen said the alliance also negotiates with neighbouring properties and with cable and pipeline operators. Technical construction design is in its final stretch, and attention is turning to the design of phase 2. Project manager Sari Valjus said that if work has to wait at one site, there is usually another location where crews can keep working.
This summer, street and structural engineering builders, superstructure and technical systems installers and depot contractors are working at the same time. The first traffic lights are due to be brought into use this year, and installation of contact wires for the new track section begins in Hatanpää in July. Several parts of the depot’s expansion and renovation will be completed this year, while the depot continues to operate around the clock.
What happens next
Traffic is gradually being moved onto its final lanes, and all final traffic arrangements will be in place during 2027. Work will continue during 2027 and 2028, including the remaining tracks, pedestrian and cycling paths and streets, and the western side of the Vihilahti bridge. The focus will then shift to overhead lines and other technical systems. In 2028 the alliance will carry out tests and trial runs on the new sections before passenger service starts in August.