Construction of the Vantaa tram is progressing rapidly, but trams and the depot are still missing
Construction of the Vantaa light rail is underway, but significant portions including trams and the depot are still lacking due to legal appeals.
The construction of the Vantaa light rail has been ongoing for several months, yet there are still two crucial components that remain missing: the trams themselves and the depot required for their maintenance. A legal challenge has been filed with the market court regarding the procurement of the trams, complicating the timeline for their acquisition. Additionally, the decision made by the city council concerning the depot has also been appealed in the administrative court, further delaying the project.
On the brighter side, progress was made on Monday when the Vantaa city council approved a guarantee of up to 110 million euros to finance the depot construction. This financial backing is essential to ensure that the development for the tram system proceeds, allowing the project to move forward despite the pending legal questions. The depot is strategically located in Vaarala, within an area bordered by Kehä III, Länsimäentie, and Fazerintie.
The proposed depot will be comparable in terms of basic functions and scale to the Helsinki light rail depot located in Roihupelto. With a footprint of 9,900 square meters, the Vantaa depot is expected to have a budget of 71.7 million euros, making it slightly smaller and more cost-effective than its Helsinki counterpart. This development not only signifies a significant operational shift for public transportation in Vantaa but also highlights the reliance on legal processes in infrastructure projects, which can cause substantial delays if not managed properly.