New pedestrian bridge connects Pispala and Santalahti in Tampere

The landscape around the Haulitornin tower in Tampere’s Pispala district has transformed overnight with the installation of a new glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge. The structure will connect Pispala and Santalahti, making it easier for pedestrians to traverse the area. Construction occurred late into the night, from evening until 6 a.m., attracting onlookers who were curious about the installation process. Current projections indicate the bridge will open to the public for the first time in October.

The bridge, which measures four meters in width and 70 meters in length, features a covered, glass-walled design. Its construction consists of three steel truss sections manufactured in a sheltered workshop. The two largest sections were successfully placed during the recent overnight work, with the final segment set to be installed between Tuesday and Wednesday night, securing the bridge to the adjacent elevator tower.

Train traffic has been halted during the construction to ensure safety, as work occurs directly above the railway. Special care is necessary due to the inherent risks of lifting operations. The area’s spatial constraints further complicate the project, but collaboration among teams has been essential to navigate these challenges.

Once completed, the bridge will significantly enhance accessibility, providing a straightforward, barrier-free route from Tampere’s Pispalanharju area to the tram stops and shores of Lake Näsijärvi. With over a 30-meter elevation difference, travel times across this stretch are expected to improve significantly. Cyclists and scooter users will need to walk their vehicles over the bridge, which will accommodate them in the adjacent elevator.