Initial situation
The Kuopio freight railway yard serves the Savonrata line services, mainly comprising mining product and raw wood transport.
At the starting point, the storage siding or loading siding volumes for passenger traffic do not meet the requirements. Due to their longitudinal gradients, the tracks in the passenger railway yard are not suitable for storing passenger trains unmonitored. The station arrangements in Kuopio have not met the accessibility requirements.
At the starting point, the track arrangements and safety equipment in the freight railway yard did not meet modern needs and they had reached the end of their life cycle. The underpasses at each end of the railway yard (Puijonkatu and Maaherrankatu) were in need of renovation.
Content and objectives of the project
- Improvement of the passenger railway yard (platforms, tracks, lifts and passenger tunnel)
- Refurbishment of the freight railway yard
- Replacement of the safety equipment
- Renovation of the Puijonkatu and Maaherrankatu underpasses
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Accessibility
The objective of the project is to build accessible routes to enable safe and easy access to platforms and trains for everyone. Lifts and raised platforms will make this possible. Proper signs, including tactile ground and floor markings for people with a visual impairment, will also improve accessibility.
Cost savings
The project will achieve significant cost savings with regard to maintenance and traffic management costs.
Safety and comfort
The aim is to achieve a safe and pleasant area and improve the appearance of passenger platforms and the passenger tunnel. Raised platforms and lifts will facilitate access and increase safety. The project promotes the development of the Kuopio station area and travel centre.
Renovation of underpasses
The renovation of the Puijonkatu and Maaherrankatu underpasses enables the track changes included in the project, lays the groundwork for future increased axle loads and gives the area a facelift.
The project is part of overall development of Kuopio station area
The development of the railway yard is more widely related to the development of the Kuopio station area and travel centre. The old Kuopio station building managed by VR Group is not included in the scope of the project.
Project benefits
- Upgraded accessible passenger routes
- Promotes the development of the Kuopio station area and travel centre
- Reduces the disruption sensitivity of traffic
- Clarifies passenger and freight traffic operations
- Achieves savings in maintenance and traffic management costs
- Increases the efficiency of freight traffic
- Improves safety
- Increases comfort
Disadvantages of the project
- Long-term special passenger arrangements during the project due to, e.g. closing the passenger tunnel and unusual departure tracks
- Closure of Puijonkatu and Maaherrankatu for vehicle traffic, the resulting diversions and occasional traffic congestion
- Noise pollution to the surroundings, occasionally also at night and during weekends
- Train traffic interruptions, lasting at worst for 9 days, and the resulting disruptions for charterers, operators and passenger traffic