News | Page 12 | Länsimetro

First environmental statement for Länsimetro’s Matinkylä–Kivenlahti project completed

18.2.2020

In an environmental statement on the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti project, Länsimetro has determined the environmental impacts of the excavation and construction of the metro tunnels and five metro stations (Finnoo, Kaitaa, Soukka, Espoonlahti, Kivenlahti), as well as the Sammalvuori depot, in 2014–2019.

To assess environmental impacts, we monitor the impacts of construction on the groundwater, ground settling, water level and soil, and we monitor water consumption and wastewater processing during construction, taking biodiversity into account and paying attention to dust and noise caused by the work sites.

The excavation contracts started up in 2014 and ended in 2018. Construction of the metro continued with construction contracts covering the stations and the rail tunnel, and these will continue until 2023.

The following is reported on in the environmental statement covering the 2014–2019 excavation and construction phase:

Consumption of main materials: explosives, chemicals, fuels, concrete
Energy consumption
Carbon footprint
Generation and utilisation of aggregates
Generation and processing of waste
Impacts on groundwater, ground settling, water level and soil
Water consumption and wastewater
Biodiversity
Dust
Noise
Stakeholders and dialogue, feedback, environmental requirements

As the developer, Länsimetro encourages material efficiency

Länsimetro, as the developer, can have an influence by encouraging contractors to be efficient in their use of materials. Material efficiency in construction saves natural resources and reduces waste, in turn, also mitigating the construction site’s carbon dioxide emissions. Some examples are using data modelling when designing the station and careful planning of the work phases and material purchases, which helps avoid ordering excess materials and storing them on the work site.

Construction volumes are reflected in, for instance, the number of rock-reinforcing bolts used during the excavation phase. Tunnels are reinforced at the stations using roughly six-metre-long bolts that are drilled into the rock. Based on the excavation contractors’ information, an average of 100 km of rock-reinforcing bolts were installed in the stations per excavation contract. With the average length of one bolt being six metres, the total length corresponds roughly to the distance between Helsinki’s main railway station and Hämeenlinna’s city centre.

The environmental statement also contains an assessment of the environmental impacts of blast-rock haulage. The total haulage distance for all the two-way haulages in the station and tunnel excavation contracts amounts to approximately 10,664,900 kilometres. This is the equivalent of around 267 times around the world.

72% of the carbon footprint comes from construction materials

The environmental statement also reveals that by the end of 2019, the majority (72%) of the carbon footprint of the entire Matinkylä–Kivenlahti project was made up of materials, followed by rock-blast and waste haulage (13%) and fuels (9%). By the end of 2019, roughly half of the entire project’s carbon footprint arose during the excavation phase and half during the construction phase. The total carbon dioxide emissions from excavation and construction amounted to 90,800 tCO₂ by the end of 2019.

Groundwater monitored, flying squirrels taken into account

The findings of the environmental statement also indicate that the project’s construction work has had no noticeable impact on the quality of water in the groundwater pipes. In many places, the changes in the ground-settling monitoring points of buildings remained below the measurement inaccuracy. No changes deviating from the natural situation have been observed in the water level of Hannusjärvi Lake.

Near the rail line, the Finnoo area, the Kaitaa area and the Espoonlahti–Soukka area have been identified as core flying squirrel habitat areas. The core flying squirrel areas have been taken into account in the metro station planning, and flying squirrel habitats have not been endangered. The area’s metro shafts have been situated to cause as little disturbance as possible to flying squirrel habitats. The main routes of flying squirrels, i.e. treetop connections, have been retained.

Stakeholders a key part of the project

Stakeholder work has been and continues to be an important part of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti project. The most important stakeholders from an environmental sustainability perspective are the construction area’s nearby residents, businesses and other operators, builders, policy-makers and the owner, the authorities and the personnel working on the project.

Feedback on the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti project can be given by phone or via the feedback form on the website. All feedback is addressed and responded to. Measures have been taken based on the feedback, for instance, possible damage has been investigated, the cleaning of work-site roads has been stepped up, and direction has been given to work-site operations as required based on noise complaints.

The environmental statement will be updated in 2020–2023.

Read the environmental statement (in Finnish, PDF )

Further information:

Kati Vesikallio, Environmental Manager, email kati.vesikallio(at)lansimetro.fi

West Metro stations win Lighting Design of the Year for 2019

18.2.2020

Länsimetro’s metro stations have been awarded for their lighting for the third time now. In addition to winning the title of Lighting Design of the Year for 2019, the eight metro stations of phase II also received two other esteemed international awards – Lighting Design Awards: Highly Commended, and LIT Awards: Winner

Tapiolan asema — *The Tapiola metro station is a prime example of the smooth integration of light and architecture.*

The West Metro stations won in the interior illumination category of the Lighting Design of 2019 competition.

The lighting in the public spaces of the eight metro stations that are part of phase I of the West Metro (i.e. Lauttasaari, Koivusaari, Keilaniemi, Aalto University, Urheilupuisto, Niittykumpu and Matinkylä) was designed by VALOA design. The overall architectural integration was headed by CJN Architects, and the architecture of the stations was designed by Helin & Co, ALA Architects + Esa Piironen, APRT Architects and HKP Architects. The electrical engineering was executed by Tauno Nissinen Ltd., and the electrical contractor was Are. The light art for the stations was provided by Tommi Grönlund and Petteri Nissinen (Keilaniemi station), and Lighting Design Collective and Helin & Co (Lauttasaari station).

Architecture, art and design create the metro stations’ identity

The competition assesses, among other things, the intended use of the site and lighting that supports the overall architectural solution. The aim for the lighting was to enhance commuters’ enjoyment of the spaces, and to fit in seamlessly with their surroundings.

“The key of the West Metro stations’ lighting solution is the integration of light and architecture as a coherent entirety. Each station has its own identity which is formed from the combination of architecture, art, and light. The role of lighting has been considered diversely, and the solution is subdued, but also architecturally high-quality and functioning in commuters’ everyday lives. The high-quality visual impact is created by the repetitive lighting styles, non-glare, sufficient light levels and the integration of the lighting,” says VALOA design’s CEO Roope Siiroinen, who was the lighting designer for the metro stations.

“The architectural lighting solutions used in the Helsinki metro stations are a refreshing exception to the usual metro station lighting. The high-quality environment makes passengers feel that the design not only aims for functionality, but also to increase their comfort,” said the jury on its selection of West Metro as the 2019 winner in the interior illumination category.

In granting the awards, compliance with the requirements set for modern lighting technology and the creative application of technical solutions, as well as financial and ecological factors, were also taken into account. Read more about the 2019 Lighting Design competition. (in Finnish)

The winners were announced on Wednesday, 5 February, at the Sähkö Valo Tele AV exhibition in Jyväskylä. As a competition winner, the West Metro’s lighting will take part in the Nordic Lighting Design Awards competition. The Finnish Lighting Awards competition is organised by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) of Finland once every two years, and awards are given for both interior and exterior lighting. The competition shines a spotlight on Finnish lighting designers and developers and commendably realised lighting projects.

Read about all of the West Metro stations.

Koivusaari metro station’s platform-level floor to be re-laid – station will be closed in the summer

10.2.2020

The Koivusaari metro station’s floor will be re-laid at the platform level in summer 2020 due to cracks in the mosaic concrete. Although the cracks do not affect the usability of the station, it was decided that the repairs should be completed as soon as possible. For that reason, the surface structures of the platform-level floor will be re-laid between 1 June and 5 August 2020.

In order to ensure that the floor can be completed over as brief a period as possible, the Koivusaari station will be closed while the work is carried out. This also means that disruptions caused by the work site will be concentrated in the summer season, when commuter volumes are the lowest.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to commuters. The repair work will be carried out efficiently and safely such that the metro traffic passing through the station will not be disrupted, and the duration of the work will be as short as possible. The work will be carried out in three shifts. The station’s elevators and entrance lobby will be reserved for the work site personnel during the repair work. While the work is carried out, frequent metro traffic will run on both sides of the work site. The smooth flow of metro traffic was taken into account when the repair work was planned.

In 2019, the Koivusaari metro station had an average of 2,100 commuters per weekday. In July 2019, the average number of commuters was roughly 1,500 per weekday. Commuter volumes were smaller on weekends, both in summer and winter. The next metro station, Lauttasaari, had an average of 12,200 commuters per weekday, and for July that figure was 9,200.

During the floor repairs, HSL will provide additional bus transportation from the Katajaharju and Isokaari areas to the Lauttasaari metro station. Bus line 104, which travels from Lauttasaari metro station along Lauttasaarentie to Haukilahti, also serves commuters in the area. In Espoo’s Hanasaari, buses will run along Länsiväylä during rush hour periods also in the summertime. HSL will provide more information on the alternative connections during the spring on the website hsl.fi/koivusaari2020, and the information will be available in Reittiopas at a later date.

The Koivusaari metro station was completed in 2016 and opened to the public in November 2017.

Further information:

Länsimetro’s feedback telephone (mon–fri 9 am–3 pm.): 050 377 3700

HSL (Helsinki Region Transport): traffic arrangements and commuter information: hsl.fi/koivusaari2020

Water damage at Keilaniemi metro station on 31 January – no impact on metro traffic

31.1.2020

The technical facilities of the Keilaniemi metro station experienced water damage between Thursday night and Friday morning. HKL’s control room received an alert from Länsimetro’s system at 11.53 p.m. The fire and rescue department was called to the scene at 20 minutes past midnight. Water overflowed from the sprinkler reservoir and reached the lower floors of the station.

The water damage did not affect morning metro traffic. As metro traffic began, all of the station’s escalators were also working normally. However, two elevators at the north entrance are still out of order. They will be up and running again once the area surrounding the elevators has been dried.

The reason for the water damage will be investigated.

Länsimetro’s feedback line (Mon–Fri, 9 am to 3 pm): +358 (0)50 377 3700.

Summary of Länsimetro’s meeting of the Board of Directors on 22 January 2020

29.1.2020

The CEO presented to the Board of Directors the 2019 status report and annual report on the ownership of the Ruoholahti–Matinkylä section owned by Länsimetro Oy. Key events included: The Länsimetro Oy – HKL cooperation agreement was signed in accordance with the renewed financial model on 27 November 2019, a new information management system was developed and introduced in 2019 and the modernisation of the electronic maintenance log was begun. The southern entrance of the Tapiola station was completed and opened to the public in April 2019, the bomb shelter for the Matinkylä station’s service tunnel was completed and received a commissioning permit at the turn of 2019/2020, the wall structures directing air flow in the Matinkylä station’s eastern escalator lobby were completed in spring 2019, the frame of Matinkylä station’s western entrance was completed in autumn 2019 and moved on to the decoration phase (estimated completion during 2020), the alteration work on the eastern stair connection at the Urheilupuisto station (changing an emergency exit into an entrance) is expected to be completed in February 2020.

The Board was presented the Q4 ownership risk report and annual summary.

The CEO presented the monitoring of administrative and maintenance performance carried out by HKL on the Ruoholahti–Matinkylä section of the West Metro. No traffic disturbances resulted from the West Metro’s infrastructure. HKL not only operates the metro traffic but also reports to Länsimetro Oy on the use of the metro line and the stations and the related servicing and maintenance tasks as agreed.

The Board was presented with the annual review for 2019 for the Matinkylä-Kivenlahti section under construction and the key focal areas for 2020. Key events in 2019 were: The construction of the frame structures of the stations and rail line has proceeded according to schedule, the HVAC and electricity work at the stations and on the rail line started up at all the sites, subcontract work started up, procurements were completed, the number of employees at the worksites exceeded 1,000 (now 1,174 persons) and the construction work at the Sammalvuori depot was completed during 2019. As a whole, construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section is progressing in line with the project plan’s schedule and budget. Read more about the construction schedule and phases.

In 2020, the focus of construction will be on technical systems, the commencement of rail technology contracts, the starting of the commissioning of the Sammalvuori depot and completion of the depot, an increase in the number of worksite employees and the continued focus by Länsimetro Oy, as a responsible developer, on occupational safety. During 2020, the commissioning phase planning will be finalised and further efforts will be made to improve the quality of internal communications and the flow of information.

A risk management report on the construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section was presented to the Board.

Länsimetro Oy’s management and owner organisation’s personnel survey was presented to the Board. The aim was to look into the personnel’s coping at work and work motivation, the clarity of their job descriptions and tasks and their perceptions concerning the organisation’s functioning and its leadership practices.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on 27 February 2020.

Further information:
Olli Isotalo, Chairman of the Board of Länsimetro Oy, tel. +358 (0)50 593 3359
Ville Saksi, CEO, Länsimetro Oy, tel. +358 (0)40 823 2086
Media contacts: Satu Linkola, Communications Director, tel. +358 (0)46 877 3392

Summary of Länsimetro’s meeting of the Board of Directors on 19 December 2019

30.12.2019

A status report on the construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section was presented to the Board of Directors. In connection with the status report, comprehensive schedule and cost-risk assessments that were conducted during the fall on the construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section were presented. Construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section is progressing in line with the project plan’s schedule and budget.

The Board decided on the procurement of insurance in accordance with the proposal made to the Board.

The Board confirmed Länsimetro Oy’s budget for 2020 (budget related to asset management). City of Espoo’s budget proposal 2020 (in Finnish).

The Board approved the updated Corporate Governance guidelines.

The Board authorised the CEO to sell Länsimetro’s shares in Jousenpuisto pysäköinti Oy. The City of Espoo will continue the park & ride operations in the parking facility on behalf of Länsimetro. Länsimetro Oy’s group structure is presented on the website in Finnish.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on 22 January 2020.

West Metro being built by 38 parties – 10,000 employees

18.12.2019

The Matinkylä-Kivenlahti section of the West Metro is being built by altogether 38 contractors and suppliers. All of the contracts were put out to tender and the construction is progressing on schedule and within budget. There are currently around 1,200 builders and so far about 10,000 employees have taken part in the mandatory worksite induction focused on worksite safety.

Due to its size, the second phase of the West Metro, i.e. the construction of five stations, a depot and 14 kilometres of rail line, has been divided up into sections suited to each contractor field.

“The construction of the metro differs significantly from other construction projects, which traditionally involve a few operators from different sectors and one main contractor. We need many major operators to carry out this project. The competitive bidding process is now completed for all of the contractors,” says Ville Saksi, CEO of Länsimetro Oy.

Six separate excavation contractors in nine different contracts excavated the rail tunnels and service tunnels, depot and stations between 2015 and 2018. Six project management contracts and 30 subcontracts are responsible for the construction of the stations and rail line. Subcontracts are functions and systems spanning the entire rail line, such as main electricity distribution, lifts and escalators, smoke extraction fans and tracks and sleepers. The Sammalvuori depot is being built by a consortium. The contract for the signal box that controls the train traffic also forms a whole. Around 20 Finnish engineering companies have participated in designing the project.

The competitive bidding for the project management contracts began in spring 2018 and was completed in autumn 2018. The value of the six project management contracts varies between EUR 43 million and EUR 58 million. Competitive bidding for 30 subcontracts was begun simultaneously with the competitive bidding for the stations and rail line. Competitive bidding for the subcontracts was completed according to the planned schedule by summer 2019, with the exception of the camera surveillance subcontract, which was carried out together with HKL. The camera supplier was selected in December 2019. The total value of the subcontracts is more than EUR 100 million.

The project management contractors have additionally carried out competitive bidding for numerous technical construction subcontractors and the stations’ building services.

“All in all, the bidding process was a success. The form of contracting we chose turned out to be a good choice. We achieved sufficient competition and received skilled operators to carry out the demanding project,” Saksi adds.

The construction of the stations and line has moved on from the concrete frame stage to the building of surfaces, building services work and system installation. In the Sammalvuori underground metro depot construction project, preparations are already being made for commissioning. The target schedule is to hand over the stations and rail line and their technical systems to the metro operator HKL during 2023.

Main contracts:

Finnoo station construction contract: LM Finnoo consortium (GRK Infra Oy and Aki Hyrkkönen Oy)
Kaitaa station construction contract: YIT-ARE consortium
Soukka station construction contract: YIT-ARE consortium
Espoonlahti station construction contract: SRV Rakennus Oy
Kivenlahti station construction contract: Skanska Infra Oy
Rail line construction contract: GRK Infra Oy
Sammalvuori depot construction contract: Sammalvuori consortium (Kalliorakennus-Yhtiöt Oy, EM Pekkinen Oy, Terrawise Oy and Aro-Systems Oy)

All of the subcontractors and operators responsible for designing the West Metro can be found on the West Metro website.

Länsimetro Oy also building on the Ruoholahti-Matinkylä section – Espoo has been accessible by metro for two years

25.11.2019

Länsimetro Oy, as the owner, is developing the phase one stations along the Ruoholahti-Matinkylä section. On 18 November, we are celebrating the two-year anniversary of the service. Construction is also going on in the first phase of the project, for example, the western entrance to Matinkylä station.

Länsimetro Oy’s task is to build, own, maintain and develop the metro system, tracks and stations from Ruoholahti westwards. The section from Ruoholahti to Matinkylä opened to metro traffic in November 2017. In this section, Länsimetro is responsible for the functioning and safety of infrastructure and the systems and monitors that the required maintenance and repairs are taken care of as planned. HKL is responsible for repairs and maintenance as well as for the metro traffic.

“As a responsible owner, we wish to continuously develop and improve the passenger experience. We make sure that our section is one of the world’s safest and that the stations are attractive and iconic landmarks in their areas,” says Länsimetro Oy’s CEO Ville Saksi.

The metro has enabled the birth of a new urban structure around the stations in both Helsinki and Espoo. After the metro service started up, other construction projects have begun in the vicinity of the stations. For instance, construction has continued at a hectic pace in Tapiola, even after metro traffic started up. The approximately EUR 0.5 billion invested by Lähi-Tapiola in the area around Tapiola station is a good indication of the investments’ size. The phase one metro investment is valued at EUR 1.2 billion. For example, the campus area that has sprung up around the Aalto University station would not have been built without the decision to build the metro, and near the Matinkylä station, a shopping centre was expanded and the city’s Service Centre was built. The Keilaniemi area is developing at a fast pace around the metro and the future Jokeri Light Rail connection. In Helsinki, new urban construction is taking place around the Koivusaari metro station.

The southern entrance to Tapiola station was opened to passengers in the spring of 2019. In Matinkylä, a western entrance will become available to passengers towards the end of 2020. The entrance will be located in the Tynnyripuisto area on the western side of Iso Omena shopping centre.

In addition, Länsimetro Oy is currently building a new entrance for the Urheilupuisto station, based on customer feedback. An entrance originally intended for the rescue services will be opened to passengers during the winter, once the changes required by authorities have been completed.

Sliding doors were built at Matinkylä at the bus terminal level in the spring of 2019 to enhance the shopping centre experience.

The building of the second phase from Matinkylä to Kivenlahti is ongoing and progressing on schedule and within budget. Work is also taking place around the architecture and look of the second phase stations. Each station will feature a work of art that will reinforce the station’s look.

Further information:
Ville Saksi, CEO, Länsimetro Oy, ville.saksi(at)lansimetro.fi

Länsimetron tuleva Finnoon asema, jonka asemalaiturilla taiteilija Leena Nion teos “Haavekuvia.” Teos käy vuoropuhelua vastakkaisen seinän aaltoilevien pinnanmuotojen kanssa.ksityiskohdat ovat merenrannan luonnosta ja sen halutaan kestävän useita katselukertoja. Metromatkustajalle teos luo kimmokkeen vapaaseen assosiaatioon tai haaveiluun

Summary of decisions by Länsimetro Oy’s Board of Directors on 21 November 2019

25.11.2019

A status report on the construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section was presented to the Board. Construction of the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section is progressing in line with the project plan’s schedule and budget. The Board was presented with the personnel changes that have taken place in the construction project and in Länsimetro Oy.

The monitoring of finances was presented to the Board. The Board authorised the CFO to launch a tender process for and conclude an agreement on financing in the amount of max. EUR 100 million in one or several loans. The tender for financing will be carried out jointly with the City of Espoo’s finance department.

The Board of Directors was presented with a plan for park-and-ride arrangements for the second phase, the Matinkylä–Kivenlahti section.

The CEO presented to the Board a capacity report drawn up by experts from HKL, HSL, Länsimetro Oy and the City of Espoo. The Board was presented with Länsimetro’s principles for responsible communication and reporting to the owner.

The next meeting will be held on 19 December.

Formwork construction and rebar work at entrance to Kivenlahti station 4–15 November

4.11.2019

Formwork construction and rebar work will be carried out in the escalator shafts at the entrance to the Kivenlahti station between 4 November and 15 November. Noisy work will be carried out during normal working hours from Monday to Friday between 7 am and 6 pm. Quiet work will also take place outside those hours.

We apologise for any inconvenience that the work may cause.

Further information:

On-call phone line, Skanska Infra Oy: +358 (0)50 402 3044
Länsimetro’s feedback line (Mon–Fri, 9 am to 3 pm): +358 (0)50 377 3700