Vesitehtaansilta Bridge to Open This Summer in Viinikanlahti Waterfront

Aamulehti reports that Tampere’s Vesitehtaansilta, a 40-metre-long and 9-metre-wide pedestrian and cycling bridge, will be completed by summer to connect Viinikanlahti’s waterfront paths. The bridge is the first element of the planned Viinikanlahti waterfront district, which aims to house about 3,000 residents. The City of Tampere says the structure will include a 4-metre-wide central cycle lane with 2.5-metre-wide paved sidewalks on each side. After winter, two 40-metre steel girders have been installed, and the 9-metre-wide deck will be laid in spring and early summer. The Vesitehtaansilta will thus enable smooth pedestrian and bike traffic as the new district develops. The bridge uses weather-resistant steel designed to patinate to a brown rust over time and does not require painting. Its name, Vesitehtaansilta, comes from the demolished wastewater treatment plant. Built by the City of Tampere’s Urban Environment Service Area with Destia Oy as contractor, Vesitehtaansilta marks the beginning of the Viinikanlahti waterfront and port area, which is planned to include housing, a school, a daycare, a gym and a hotel over the coming years. A visualization shows the bridge location near Ratinan Stadium.