Overhead tram wiring begins in Härmälä as Nuolialantie works start 5 October

Work to electrify the Pirkkala–Linnainmaa tram line will begin in Härmälä and Rantaperkiö this October, with crews fitting overhead-line hardware on Nuolialantie poles from 5 October, the Tampere Tram Pirkkala–Linnainmaa alliance said.

The work follows recent traffic rerouting on Nuolialantie for the tram project the September Nuolialantie traffic changes. Rails were also linked across the Tampere–Pirkkala border at the Härmälänoja crossing earlier this summer the Härmälänoja bridge update.

Work will continue along the Pirkkala–Linnainmaa route through 2027. Initial tasks focus on fitting overhead contact line hardware to the poles, such as pole brackets and cantilever arms. Stringing of the contact wires between poles is expected around mid-November.

This autumn crews will focus on the eastern section of Nuolialantie, between Hatanpää Highway and the Härmälä tram stop at Kuuselakeskus. Most installations will be carried out from a lift basket mounted on a rail-moving work machine. Traffic control will be in place at intersections, and some work may take place at night.

Project manager Sari Valjus of the alliance said: "Construction in Härmälä has progressed enough that we can begin the electrification work. At first we will install fittings on the overhead line poles, such as pole brackets and cantilever arms. We expect to start stringing the contact wires between poles around mid-November. During the winter the work will move toward Härmälänranta, and next year electrification will begin along the whole tram route."

The overhead contact line is the electrical supply network that transfers power from the wires to the tram's roof-mounted current collector, so work near live contact wires requires special caution. Final traffic arrangements along the tram route will be implemented during 2027, and passenger services between Kauppi campus and Ruotula stops and between Sorin aukio and Partola stops are scheduled to begin in August 2028.