Construction of the Esplanade sewer tunnel
We are constructing a new sewer tunnel in the Esplanade area. The new tunnel will connect to the existing sewer tunnel. Construction planning for the sewer tunnel has started and the actual construction work will be carried out between 2025 and 2027.
The new sewer tunnel will eliminate the current problems related to the condition of sewerage and improve the management of wastewater overflows caused by heavy rainfall, thereby reducing the burden on the Baltic Sea. In addition, it will create an opportunity to separate the existing poorly-functioning mixed sewers, which are currently causing frequent maintenance requirements, odour nuisances and an increased risk of damage.
Construction schedule
We will update the schedule as the plans get more precise and the construction progresses.
- Construction planning 2024–spring 2025
- Additional research to verify tunnel location spring-summer 2024
- Construction work autumn 2025–spring 2027
Environmental impact of the sewer tunnel
In the summer season 2024, land and soil surveys will be carried out in the planning area for the upcoming Esplanade tunnel. Measurement and research equipment and temporary traffic arrangements will be displayed in the park and street area.
The placement of the tunnel is determined by the height and quality of the rock surface and other underground infrastructure. The aim is to place the tunnel primarily under the properties of the City of Helsinki. Insofar as the tunnel is placed under a privately owned property, an investment agreement is concluded with the property for the placement of the tunnel in the underground rock space. We will contact the representatives of these properties separately as soon as the tunnel’s placement has been confirmed.
The tunnel will be built underground, with the exception of the construction of a vertical shaft and sewer in the Esplanade Park area. No major exceptional arrangements are planned for traffic in the area. Every effort is being made to plan all above-ground work in such a way that it will cause as little harm as possible to people moving around in the area.
The aim is to minimise disturbances caused by the work as much as possible in order for the work to proceed smoothly. Permit limits received for the work are followed in the excavation and construction work.Once the tunnel has been completed, the construction site will be removed and the area will return to its original state until the planned start of the above-ground network arrangements in the late 2020s.
Resident collaboration
During the construction project, we collaborate in different ways with the City of Helsinki and the tunnel contractor.
In spring 2024, we will inform the properties with which an investment agreement for the tunnel is to be concluded by post. We are continuing to refine our communication channels in line with the progress of the construction planning and are also updating the information on our website.
Got a question? You can contact us by email at espa@hsy.fi.
Please also check out the frequently asked questions.
The bottom image shows the street areas that are to be renovated later. This is planned to start in the late 2020s.
