Lapinsalmi Bridge in Kouvola unlikely to reopen this year due to ongoing repair delays

The Lapinsalmi Bridge in Repovesi National Park, Kouvola, is unlikely to reopen this year. “There is a slight chance it could open, but it may extend into next year,” says Tero Mustonen from Metsähallitus. The bridge has been closed since January when it was revealed that it could be dangerous in high winds, necessitating the addition of stabilizing cables.

Repair work was initially scheduled for spring, but delays have occurred due to the development of a repair plan. Initial assessments showed that the bridge’s Lapinsalmi side is not precisely aligned with the designated rock area in the original design. Mustonen suspects that the challenging landscape led to modifications during construction, necessitating recalculations for the placement of the new wind cables, as the current location does not fully match the original plan.

The repairs will also involve strengthening the bridge’s pylons, which support the main cables, and replacing the bridge railings. Additionally, the bridge’s ends will be anchored into concrete to prevent them from lifting. Previous assessments indicated that the ends had the potential to sway.

Metsähallitus has identified faults in both the design and construction phases. Mustonen noted that the designer failed to adequately account for wind loads, while the builder used bolts that have only half the strength of those specified in the plans. “If the strength is insufficient, it does not meet requirements,” he stated.

Metsähallitus has filed complaints against the designer, Sweco, and the builder, Estonian company Remoti Holding. They are currently negotiating liability for repair costs and compensation, aiming for the builder to rectify the identified errors.