Concerns raised over environmental damage from railway bridge renovation in Tornio and Haaparanta

The renovation of the railway bridge spanning the Tornio River between Tornio, Finland, and Haaparanta, Sweden, has raised concerns among local residents, particularly throughout late summer. Nearby, the river’s waters are covered in dirty dust, and plants and rocks along the shoreline are also shrouded in black debris.

According to Tornio’s Technical Director Markus Kannala, the city received a report of environmental damage from a resident last Wednesday. Environmental services conducted an assessment of the area on Thursday and contacted the contractor responsible for the construction project. “The sandblasting process has resulted in contaminants, including paint and rust. The contractor has promised to clean the area as soon as possible, which will include replacing the soil. Environmental services will monitor the cleanup to ensure it is thorough and meets standards,” Kannala stated.

The project is commissioned by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto), with Kreate oy as the contractor. Project Manager Terhi Honkarinta from Väylävirasto confirmed that the issue has come to the agency’s attention, and arrangements for its resolution have been made with the contractor.

The sandblasting operation began at the end of May and has now concluded. Kreate’s Site Manager Aleksi Romppainen reported that a plastic protection installed for the sandblasting had torn at the Tornio end of the bridge. “We halted work and began cleaning the sand on Thursday, as much as we could. We inspect the scaffolding daily and I don’t believe the tear has been there for long,” he noted.

Romppainen affirmed that Kreate is committed to cleaning the surrounding area starting next week, involving vacuuming sand, replacing soil, and removing contaminated material. Additionally, dredging of the riverbed will occur. “With the sandblasting now finished, cleaning will also take place on the bridge itself. Sand is blasted to the lowest level of the scaffolding, from which it will be transported for waste processing.”