Sweco has been awarded a contract for project management in connection with expansion of the Helsinki Metro subway system with the new Western Metro line that will link together the cities of Helsinki and Espoo. The project is the largest infrastructure initiative of all time in Finland, carrying an estimated price tag of around EUR 700 million. Sweco’s contract is worth close to EUR 10 million.

The Western Metro extension consists of a 13 km subway section with a total of 8 stations. One of the biggest challenges in this technologically advanced project will be to plan the extensive building activities and material transports so that they do not disrupt local residents or existing traffic flows during the construction phase.

The new line will be of major importance for both the general transport infrastructure in the region and the development of Helsinki’s western districts. The client is Länsimetro Oy (Western Metro Limited), which is owned jointly by the cities of Helsinki and Espoo.

The Western Metro is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.