Tampere Tramway, the City of Tampere, and the Municipality of Pirkkala have awarded the first phase of the Pirkkala-Linnainmaa tramway construction contract to NRC Group Finland and YIT Finland.

The project, which is divided into two phases, will commence with the construction of the tramway and associated street and traffic arrangements.

The initial phase will extend from Hatanpään valtatie to Partola in Pirkkala and from Tays to Niihama.

The cost estimate for phase one stands at approximately €211.8m ($228.4m), with NRC Group's share amounting to around €81m.

As per the project's schedule, track construction will begin this December, with the first phase expected to be completed by August 2028.

The formal signing of the contract's first phase is anticipated to take place on 5 December.

NRC Group CEO Anders Gustafsson said: "The first phase of the construction of the Pirkkala-Linnainmaa tramway in Tampere, is an important win for NRC Group and a testimonial to our solid collaboration in the alliance.

"The work will start at the end of year, where YIT and NRC Group Finland are responsible for the construction phase. Going forward, we believe this project can pave the way for other cities to choose sustainable transport.”

NRC Group, which claims to deliver long-term, low-carbon infrastructure solutions, has committed to the Paris Agreement's climate goals. The company aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30% by 2025 and achieve net zero by 2050.

Earlier in January 2024, NRC Group Finland and together with YIT were appointed to provide services for Area 2 of the Espoo City Rail Link in the country.

This €36m contract, which includes rail construction, foundation, groundwork, and the construction of bridges and platforms, is scheduled for completion in June 2028.