Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency suspends operations on Suupohja railway line between Seinäjoki and Kaskinen

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) suspended operations on the Suupohja railway line, which stretches over 100 kilometers between Seinäjoki and Kaskinen, three weeks ago. This line is among several non-operational routes in Finland, as around 500 kilometers of the country’s 800 kilometers of poor railway infrastructure have been completely closed, with an additional 300 kilometers under special monitoring due to their condition.

The decision to close a railway line is not taken lightly; it involves a comprehensive assessment beyond just low traffic levels. Most often, closures are due to poor track conditions and a lack of demand for service. With approximately 2,500 railway bridges in Finland, around 4% are in poor condition, and nearly half are rated only satisfactory. Continuous maintenance and repairs are essential for these structures.

The final decision regarding the Suupohja line was influenced by the Koronio River bridge, which is severely rusted and exhibits serious corrosion beneath the rails. The structure is no longer considered safe.

Despite its importance for local timber transport, with an estimated 270,000 to 330,000 tons of wood shipped annually, transportation has shifted to trucks since the railway closure. Increased truck traffic has raised concerns about road conditions, though local authorities assure that the roads are capable of handling the additional load.

Currently, the future of the Suupohja line remains uncertain. In September, unexpected news surfaced that 15 million euros from the state budget would be allocated for the line’s repairs, but the full details will be settled before Christmas when parliamentary committees review the proposal.