The Kirjalansalmi Bridge, Finland’s longest road bridge by clear span, officially opened on 6 November, marking a major milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure.
Commissioned by an alliance partnership between contractor Kreate and the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto), the new bridge replaces the existing 1963 suspension bridge that had reached the end of its lifespan due to fatigue damage.
Spanning 675m across the Kirjalansalmi Strait in the Archipelago Sea, the new steel composite cable-stayed bridge – with a main span of 265m – provides the only road connection to Pargas and the Turku archipelago, home to over 50,000 islands.
Arup partnered with AFRY and SOFiN Consulting to carry out the independent check of the bridge – leveraging our global expertise in long-span bridge engineering, alongside local experience.
The project was delivered using Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), aiming for a drawing-less BIM environment – streamlining both the design and construction process while promoting open, real-time collaboration among all stakeholders. Design and construction were run in parallel to accelerate delivery. Design data was shared digitally from the designer to the checker using a single source of truth approach, allowing independent calculation models to be developed quickly and accurately to achieve the tight construction schedule.
At an earlier stage, Arup also developed the project’s basis of design in partnership with SOFiN Consulting, including providing expert advice on specialist areas like fire risk and protection.
Cian Long, Project Manager, Arup, said: “Drawing on our global experience in long-span bridge engineering and partnering with local experts, Arup supported the delivery of a major new bridge that meets the highest standards of safety, durability and design innovation. We are proud to have played a part in delivering a critical piece of infrastructure that will serve communities across the Pargas and the Turku archipelago for decades to come.”
Jarmo Niemi, Project Manager, AFRY, said: “Arup’s independent design verification for the Kirjalansalmi Bridge ensured the structural integrity of all substructure and superstructure elements. Their professionalism, technical expertise and commitment to quality was key to achieving a resilient, future-ready connection for the region.”
Ville Järviö, Quality and Design Manager, Kreate, said: “Working with Arup brought a valuable international perspective to the project. Their responsiveness and commitment to quality were evident throughout, especially under a tight schedule.”
The new bridge significantly enhances mobility and safety for residents and visitors, replacing an ageing structure that had traffic restrictions, including reduced speeds and limits on heavy vehicles. With wider lanes and dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths, the design improves accessibility and promotes sustainable transport – playing a vital role in supporting the region’s residents, business life and tourism.
