Rail Baltica Estonia, the City of Tallinn, and the construction company LEONHARD WEISS OÜ have signed a EUR 9.8 million contract for work in the area of the future Rail Baltica Ülemiste station and for the first phase of the Kantsi tunnel. The project will create a new connection between Lasnamäe and Ülemiste, one of the most important development areas in the Estonian capital.
Rail Baltica Estonia, the City of Tallinn, and the construction company LEONHARD WEISS OÜ have signed a contract worth EUR 9,826,169 for the construction of basic infrastructure in the area of the Rail Baltica Ülemiste station and for the first phase of the Kantsi Tunnel.
The tunnel will create a new connection between Lasnamäe and Ülemiste, helping to transform the area into an international hub for transportation, business, and services.
The project is part of the Rail Baltica development, the European-gauge railway line that will connect Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to the rest of the European rail network.
“More Than Just a Railroad Underpass”
Anvar Salomets, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rail Baltic Estonia, stated that the project marks an important milestone for the development of the entire Ülemiste area.
“The Kantsi Tunnel is much more than just an underpass beneath the railroad tracks. It is part of a broader vision that will transform the Ülemiste area into Estonia’s most important international mobility hub. Rail Baltica will not only connect us with Europe but will also improve connections between different regions of Estonia and Tallinn, creating opportunities for new investments and jobs,” said Anvar Salomets.
Aleksei Dohin, authorized signatory and director of the civil engineering division at LEONHARD WEISS OÜ, stated that the project represents an important milestone for both Rail Baltica and Estonia’s railway infrastructure.
“The contract for the construction of the Rail Baltica Ülemiste station area and the first phase of the Kantsi tunnel is an important step in the development of Estonia’s railway infrastructure and in the implementation of the Rail Baltica project as a whole. We are pleased to apply our extensive experience and expertise to this strategic project, which will improve regional connectivity, enhance safety, and create new opportunities in the future,” said Aleksei Dohin.
The company has also participated in Rail Baltica projects in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, including the construction of the Ülemiste pedestrian and bicycle tunnel, the expansion of the railway infrastructure at Riga Central Station, and the construction of the Šveicarija–Žeimiai railway section.
Tunnel for Cars, Pedestrians, and Bicyclists
Currently, access to the Ülemiste area is primarily via Tartu Road, and the next railway crossing is over 3 km away, on Smuuli Road.
Upon completion, the Kantsi Tunnel will create a new connection between Peterburi Road and Suur-Sõjamäe Street, improving access for pedestrians, cyclists, public transportation, and drivers.
Currently, the railroad can only be crossed at this point via a pedestrian overpass.
In addition to the Kantsi Tunnel, the contract includes the construction of a new passenger platform and access roads, as well as the development of basic infrastructure for the European-gauge Rail Baltica line in the Ülemiste station area. The work includes earthworks, drainage systems, and utility networks.
The first phase is scheduled for completion by October 31, 2027.
Ülemiste, Tallinn’s New Center
The Kantsi Tunnel is just one part of a broader development in the Ülemiste area.
In the coming years, Rail Baltic Estonia, Tallinn Airport, and Mainor will invest nearly EUR 500 million in this area. The goal is to transform the former industrial district on the outskirts of Lasnamäe into a modern urban center that complements Tallinn’s historic center and the Telliskivi creative district.
Currently, Ülemiste City is Estonia’s third-largest economic hub in terms of income tax revenue. By 2030, approximately 25,000 people are expected to live, study, and work in the district.
Terminal designed by Zaha Hadid Architects
A central element of the development will be the Linda Terminal, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Together with Tallinn Airport, Ülemiste City, and the future European Park, the area is envisioned as an attractive gateway to Estonia for international companies and investors.
Share on:
