Rail Baltic Estonia has marked a major milestone in the development of the Rail Baltica corridor with the signing of a construction contract for the Soodevahe traffic junction, a site described as one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in Estonia to date.
The EUR 38.8 million contract, awarded on 31 July to Estonian infrastructure company AS TREF Nord, covers the development of a key multi-level railway and road intersection. The junction will serve as the meeting point between the European standard gauge (1435 mm) Rail Baltica line and the existing 1520 mm broad gauge railway, facilitating direct freight transport from the Port of Muuga to European markets.
“Although this is a short section, it is of strategic importance. Soodevahe will host the connection between the Rail Baltica main line and the Muuga route, enabling the direct flow of international freight from the port to the heart of Europe. This junction is of crucial significance for the Estonian economy,” said Anvar Salomets, Chairman of the Management Board of Rail Baltic Estonia.
Construction is expected to take 38 months and will include one of the largest concrete structures ever built for transport infrastructure in Estonia.
Scope of construction
The project comprises several complex elements, including:
- A 286-metre-long viaduct on Lagedi Road;
- Construction of the Rail Baltica main line embankment and infrastructure between km 4+800 and km 6+600, incorporating drainage systems, culverts, land improvement works, landscaping, service and access roads, and utility relocations;
- Partial construction of the Soodevahe railway tunnel, which will span approximately 330 metres with an additional 1300-metre approach ramp.
The tunnel will be constructed beneath the operational broad gauge line with the aim of maintaining uninterrupted rail services throughout the works.
Engineering in complex conditions
The Soodevahe junction presents multiple engineering challenges. Located in an area with high groundwater levels and difficult geological conditions, the site requires construction across two different railway gauges, an underground tunnel, and a viaduct structure using a novel design approach.
“In this three-level junction, we must cross two railway corridors of different gauges, build a tunnel underneath them, and at the same time maintain uninterrupted traffic. All of this takes place in a geologically complex area with a high groundwater level – technically, this is an extremely demanding site,” said Jaanus Taro, Chairman of the Management Board of TREF Nord.
The viaduct will feature a frame structure design – a first for Estonia – aimed at ensuring safe, uninterrupted traffic flow on multiple levels once complete.
Funding and environmental support
The total value of the contract is EUR 38,836,552.22 (excluding VAT). The project is jointly funded by the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) 10 programme and revenues generated through the sale of CO₂ quotas, under a cooperation agreement between Rail Baltic Estonia and the Ministry of Climate.
TREF Nord has confirmed that the work will require close coordination with other Rail Baltica construction phases, adding that the company is fully prepared for the high level of planning and execution required.
“The project requires exceptional precision in both planning and execution, as the work must be completed within a short timeframe and in coordination with all other construction stages. Our team is fully prepared to carry out the process successfully,” said Taro.
Once completed, the Soodevahe junction will be a critical link in the Estonian segment of the Rail Baltica corridor, integrating the national freight network with the broader European transport system and strengthening the role of Muuga Port as a key Baltic Sea logistics hub.
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