Temporary bridges in Tapiola remain closed for the time being
The City of Espoo commissioned a third-party inspection of the temporary bridges in Tapiola. According to the inspection reports, the scaffolding bridges require repairs and further inspections. The temporary bridges will remain closed for the time being.
A third-party inspection was carried out on all the temporary bridges between Merituulentie and Itätuulenkuja, which were closed by the city on 12 May. In addition, the city and the scaffolding suppliers have carried out their own inspections. The inspections and reports do not cover the collapsed bridge. The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland is investigating the cause of the collapse.
The third-party inspection found, among other things, that there were shortcomings in support and locking as well as in the truss buckling support. In addition, the report stated that the plans and calculations need to be specified.
Some of the bridges have been commissioned by the city and some by private construction sites. All operators involved have already carried out immediate repairs on the bridges. The city will discuss the future use of the scaffolding bridges and route arrangements with the scaffolding suppliers and the private construction sites in the area. The use of the bridges requires another third-party inspection to ensure that the repairs are sufficient.
The city is looking for solutions to speed up the completion of final deck structures
Espoo is looking for solutions that could speed up the completion of the final reinforced concrete decks between Merituulentie and Itätuulenkuja. There are several construction sites in the area, which must be taken into consideration in the schedule.
All old buildings and street deck structures have been demolished between Merituulentie and Itätuulenkuja. The new building projects above Merituulentie will soon be completed. The first building project between Merituulentie and Itätuulenkuja has been completed and two others will soon be completed. There are also several building projects that have not yet started.
Temporary bridges have been used to ensure that the routes available during construction work are as accessible and user-friendly as possible.
Temporary pedestrian routes in the area
After the closure of the temporary bridges, temporary pedestrian routes have been arranged in the area. From the street level on Itätuulenkuja, you can access Helmakuja, where you can take the elevator to the metro, bus terminal and Ainoa shopping centre. Pedestrians, including those with a pram or bicycle, can walk through Itätuulenkuja all the way from Tapiolantie to Etelätuulentie.
The Tapiola bus terminals are open 24 hours a day with nigh-time access between the terminals through Merituulentori. You can access Merituulentori from Helmakuja through the bus terminal.
The signage in the area has been improved and will still be further improved.
The city decided to close and inspect all temporary bridges in the area due to the accident on 11 May. Several young people were injured when a temporary bridge collapsed on Itätuulenkuja.
The bridge was designed and built for the city by a scaffolding supplier, but the city is responsible for the temporary bridges.