Finland’s oldest active railway tunnel may be permanently opened up as part of major repairs

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency is planning extensive renovations for the 100-year-old Möykynmäki railway tunnel in Vesanka, central Finland, including the possibility of removing its roof entirely to convert it into an open rock cutting, Yle reports.

The 350-metre tunnel, built in 1926 on the single-track Haapamäki–Jyväskylä line, is in such poor condition that train speeds through it have been restricted to 30 km/h. The agency aims to restore speeds to 80–120 km/h while preparing the route for future needs, such as electrification.

Project manager Juha Sillanpää of the Transport Infrastructure Agency described severe deterioration, including crumbling concrete, collapses, falling rock fragments, persistent water leaks, and icing issues. Emergency repairs have been carried out, but the 1950s-era concrete structures are nearing the end of their service life. The tunnel’s cross-section also fails to meet current standards, lacking space for overhead power lines if the line were electrified.

Around a dozen repair options are under consideration, ranging from constructing a parallel tunnel to partially demolishing the existing one or converting it fully into an open cutting. A final design choice will be made by late 2027, with construction potentially beginning in late 2028 at the earliest. Costs are estimated at roughly €10 million, though funding has not yet been secured.

The line carries daily passenger railbus services and freight traffic, primarily for the forest industry. A public presentation of the plans will be held on 15 June at Vesanka’s daycare school.