Construction company YIT has won a €30m ($34m) contract from the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency to execute the RU2 phase of the Oulu Passenger Rail Yard modernisation.
The fixed-price, all-in contract marks the next stage in a multi-phase project to improve accessibility and safety at Oulu’s main railway station, with co-financing from the City of Oulu.
The RU2 phase covers extensive upgrades to the existing station platforms, construction of two new platforms and related tracks.
It also includes the construction of two new pedestrian underpasses, along with the renovation of the existing underpass.
Further elements include new tracks, maintenance roads, improved yard drainage systems, and the replacement of canopy structures.
YIT will also construct a bicycle storage facility within the underpass, enhance safety systems, upgrade the track electrification and outdoor station lighting, and implement a new safety arrangement for the car loading dock.
All upgrades are designed to be delivered with the station and its rail services remaining operational.
The project will be carried out in three stages. In the first stage, the tracks and platform on the eastern side of the station will be built and handed over.
In the second stage, work will focus on the central platform, along with its associated track and tunnel sections. The final phase will involve completing works on the city side of the station.
Construction on the project is set to begin next month and finish by the end of 2029. Rail services are expected to continue operating throughout the construction period.
YIT's traffic infrastructure head Pasi Kailasalo said: "This is a significant project to strengthen YIT's foothold and expertise in the railway environment, while at the same time requiring versatile infrastructure construction expertise. The project is in line with YIT's rail business strategy.”
The wider Oulu Passenger Rail Yard scheme is a joint effort between the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and the City of Oulu to respond to growing rail traffic and support city centre development.
The opening phase of the project began in April 2026 with track removals and preparations for relocating the car-carrier station.
Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency project manager Jouni Vauhkonen said: "The renovation of the Oulu rail yard is already underway, and now we can proceed to the next, extensive construction phase of the project. Once completed, the renovation will improve the safety and accessibility of the station. At the same time, the city's development is supported.”
