AS TREF Nord has secured a contract worth €38.8m ($44.2m) to undertake the construction of the Soodevahe traffic junction in Estonia.  

The contract, issued by Rail Baltic Estonia, involves creating a multilevel crossing where European standard gauge (1,435mm) and Russian broad gauge (1,520mm) railways meet, as well as the Lagedi Road viaduct. 

According to Rail Baltic Estonia, the Soodevahe junction is poised to become a vital link, connecting the Rail Baltica mainline with the Port of Muuga, enhancing Estonia's trade routes with the eastern Baltic Sea region and Western Europe. 

The project is set to take 38 months to complete and encompasses several intricate engineering tasks.  

These include building the 286m-long Lagedi Road highway viaduct and developing the Rail Baltica mainline embankment and infrastructure, which will feature drainage systems, culverts, land improvements, landscaping, and more.

TREF Nord management board chair Jaanus Taro said: “In this three-level junction, we must cross two railway corridors of different gauges, build a tunnel underneath them, and at the same time maintain uninterrupted traffic.

"All of this takes place in a geologically complex area with a high groundwater level - technically, this is an extremely demanding site.”  

The project also involves partial construction of the Soodevahe railway tunnel, extending approximately 330m, along with a preceding ramp about 1,300m long.  

As per the agreement between Rail Baltic Estonia and the country's Ministry of Climate, funding for this project comes from the EU’s CEF 10 programme and proceeds from carbon dioxide quota sales. 

Rail Baltic Estonia management board chair Anvar Salomets stated: “Although this is a short section, it is of strategic importance.

"Soodevahe will host the connection between the Rail Baltica mainline and the Muuga route, enabling the direct flow of international freight from the port to the heart of Europe.”