Excavator begins work on Tammerkoski riverbed for temporary bridge

Construction of a temporary pedestrian and cycling bridge over Tammerkoski in Tampere has begun, with an excavator now operating on the riverbed, Yle reports.

The bridge will replace the Valssipadonraitti path, currently closed for renovation. Work starts with piling, requiring the river to be drained until Wednesday morning. During this time, the bridge’s supporting piles will be installed on the exposed riverbed.

The structure will span between Vanhankirjastonpuisto and Koskipuisto, downstream of the Keskiputous hydroelectric plant, at the level of the river’s retaining walls. The 6-metre-wide steel-framed, wooden-decked bridge will feature 1.2-metre-high mesh railings.

Materials for the temporary bridge—piles, beams, and deck planks—were previously used in the construction of Särkänsilta in Mustalahti harbour and Helsinki’s Hakaniemi bridge.

Piling work on the dry riverbed will cause noise and temporary disruption for a few days. The bridge is expected to open to pedestrians and cyclists in late June or early July.