On the basis of a level bidding process, the Finnish Transport Agency has selected the Lemminkäinen consortium as partner in the alliance project of the FTA and the city of Tampere. The alliance is responsible for the construction planning and implementation of the Tampere tunnel project on main road 12. On the basis of the selection, the project parties will sign an alliance contract for the development phase in July.
Multi-phase selection process completed
Altogether five tenderers entered the competitive tendering process. The group was gradually narrowed down to the two best candidates, and the alliance partner was then selected among these two. The tenderers' readiness for the alliance was evaluated on the basis of demonstrations given on the organisation and implementation planning of the project. In addition, each candidate was evaluated on the basis of productivity and ability to operate cost-effectively. The tenderers also had to submit a tender, the importance of which was 25 per cent in the overall comparison.
The tendering consortiums participating in the last phase of the competitive tendering process were Peitsi and Lemminkäinen. The tendering consortium Lemminkäinen, which was selected as partner in the alliance, consists of Lemminkäinen Infra Oy, A-Insinöörit Suunnittelu Oy and Saanio & Riekkola Oy. The consortium has plenty of experience in the field of infrastructure and tunnel construction. The implementation planning is estimated to take one year, which means that the construction may begin in autumn 2013.
Smoother traffic flows to Rantaväylä in Tampere
The existing Rantaväylä road in Tampere (Paasikiventie–Kekkosentie) is at times congested and vulnerable to disturbances. The road also decentralises the urban structure. Traffic is expected to increase by 15-28 per cent on the road section between Santalahti and Naistenlahti by 2030.
The new tunnel will reduce the traffic disturbances caused by congestion and signalised junctions, and thus the traffic capacity on this route will be increased. The inbound traffic, public transport and the long-distance traffic from east and west will benefit the most from the tunnel. The number of people exposed to negative impacts of transport will decrease, the road will be less prone to accidents and winter maintenance of the road will be facilitated.
The project will also contribute to the land use and development of the city centre in the city of Tampere since the road currently hindering the integration of the city centre will be rerouted to the tunnel. The first development studies concerning the Rantaväylä were conducted as early as in the 1980's. Later at the beginning of 2000’s, a tunnel solution was presented in connection with the traffic master plan. The solution proposed a tunnel which would extend from Santalahti to Naistenlahti. The city plan containing the tunnel took effect in 2006.
Working towards common goals
The tunnel project in Tampere is the fifth alliance project in Finland. The renovation of the railway section Lielahti–Kokemäki, which is another alliance project that the Finnish Transport Agency has underway, has proceeded to the implementation phase.
The alliance will work in close cooperation to plan solutions which will enable a unanimous decision on the target cost and other key objectives while preparing for risks. The alliance emphasises cost-effectiveness and high-quality implementation.