Finnish construction company YIT has been selected as a partner for the development phase of the Helsinki Urban Development and Tramway Programme Alliance.

Two corporate groups have been chosen as partners in the alliance. YIT, together with NRC Group, Sitowise, and Sweco, forms one of these groups.

The collaboration aims to enhance the city's urban infrastructure with the inclusion of several tramway projects.

The programme encompasses the Western Helsinki tramway, the West Harbour light rail, and the Viikki-Malmi light rail, alongside associated investments.

The client has set a maximum investment estimate for the implementation phase at approximately €1.2bn ($1.3bn). The formal contract signing is anticipated to occur next month.

The Western Helsinki tramway project, already backed by Helsinki City Council and state aid, is the first to be planned and implemented as part of the alliance's initial phase.

The Western Helsinki tramway project will see the construction of the Vihdintie light rail line, new tramways on Fredrikinkatu and Topeliuksenkatu, and associated street investments.

Detailed construction plans for the tramway are now underway, with the construction phase expected to commence in 2026.

Subsequent stages of the overarching programme will focus on the West Harbour and Viikki-Malmi light rail lines, pending city council decisions, with construction set between 2027 and 2032.

The tramway programme aligns with broader objectives for Helsinki's urban development, aiming to create new housing for thousands and enhance the quality of urban life along high-speed railways.

The initiative also includes the development of high-quality pedestrian and cycling environments.