Destia, the Finnish subsidiary of Colas, has signed an agreement to undertake the second segment of construction for the Vantaa light rail project in Finland.
The contract, valued at around €200m ($235m), covers the remaining portion of the western section of the tramway in Vantaa.
The project is scheduled for completion and commencement of operations by late 2029.
The full Vantaa tramway initiative, spanning two phases, has an estimated total value of about €750m, with Destia’s combined share amounting to approximately €433m.
The first phase of construction commenced in November 2025, following the initial service order, which was valued at approximately €230m.
The full construction phase is expected to take four years.
The alliance delivering the project includes Destia alongside Sitowise and Ramboll Finland, representing the City of Vantaa, the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) and Capital Region Urban Transport from Helsinki.
Construction activities under this new order will focus on the remainder of the western line, covering 12km, and will incorporate utility network installations and electrification work.
Progress is expected to accelerate in spring and summer, with work extending to complex structures and traffic changes to facilitate the tramway and adjacent public spaces.
The tramway line is designed to link the eastern areas of Vantaa to the railway network and provide direct access to Helsinki Airport.
Once complete, Vantaa will become the fourth city in Finland to operate a tramway network.
The new infrastructure forms part of a larger urban development strategy intended to support regional growth, with targets set for 60,000 new residents and 30,000 new jobs along the tram corridor by 2050.
The project will involve extensive redevelopment of roads, cycle lanes and pedestrian routes, as well as the refurbishment of underground networks such as water systems, pipes and cables.
The line will also include a tunnel beneath Tikkurila railway station, where normal operations will continue during construction.
The tramway is being delivered through two separate alliances, with the City of Vantaa overseeing project leadership in partnership with other municipal organisations.
Destia president and CEO Heikki Haasmaa said: “This tramway is a major urban initiative that fully leverages Destia’s expertise in rail infrastructure within complex environments.
“Work is progressing at a steady pace, and we are proud to contribute to the development of sustainable public transportation that serves the residents.”
