Further acceleration was achieved during the design and construction works, and construction was completed ahead of programme, with the motorway opening one year early.

The flexible nature of this contract allowed the project company to optimise the design by making design changes during construction whilst still meeting the performance specification for the new road.

Application of this new way of thinking has entailed close cooperation with the local municipalities, for whom the motorway offers not just quick and safe commuting connections, but increased economic activity.

The motorway has already spawned the creation of new industrial parks and residential areas, and the situation of the Motorway and the new railway in a shared ‘growth corridor’ on a
50 km section of land are central to the economic development of the whole region.

Sustainable development was a key concern during construction, with resources allocated for landscaping, noise barriers and ‘environmental art’ installations along the route.

Through the project company, John Laing and Skanska ID are responsible for servicing and maintaining the Motorway until 2012, at which point ownership will revert to the Finnish Road Administration.

More information about the project is available at http://www.nelostie.net/