Construction, Estonia, Railways, Transport

"The construction of the viaduct is the first stage of the construction of an additional main track between the Tallinn and Kitsekula stops. Both the viaduct and the new main track will significantly increase the capacity of the Balti Jaam station in both the eastern and southwestern directions and ensure flexibility for arriving and departing trains at the Tallinn-Balti Jaam station," Riho Vjatkin, head of the construction service at Estonian Railways, said. 

The new viaduct will be built next to the existing historical viaduct, preserving its heritage protection value to the maximum. Visually, the appearance of the retaining walls will be preserved. According to Estonian Railways, the new viaduct will take into account both the urban spatial and historical view corridor from Paldiski Road to the Old Town.

An extension of the embankment, retaining walls, cable ducts and a safety fence will also be built for the second stage. As further works, it is planned to build a track, a plant for transforming and carrying electric power for train haulage and a traffic control system.

"The construction of an additional main track is planned to start in 2021. In addition to increasing capacity, the entire complex of works contributes to the continuity of the given railway section and significantly increases traffic safety," Vjatkin added.

Bids can be submitted until June 22.

Following a successful tender procedure, construction work is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year and will run until the end of next year. Short-term and long-term traffic interruptions may occur during the works and car traffic under the viaduct may also be disturbed. Restrictions will be announced further as details become clear.