SSAB delivered 114 kilometers of safety barriers to new motorway E18 Hamina-Vaalimaa

SSAB delivered the last 10 kilometers batch of W230/4 side barriers to Hamina-Vaalimaa project in September. W230/4 is the most common safety barrier type in Finland. Complete barrier systems consist of rails, posts, terminals and end pieces, curved and corner sections and fastening accessories. The side barrier is delivered perforated and hot-dip galvanized. All safety barriers are manufactured in SSAB’s Toijala mill in Finland and delivered to the job site according to customer demand. 

The E18 Hamina–Vaalimaa project comprises 32 kilometres of new motorway and the related road arrangements. The road section yet to be built is the final section of the E18 motorway, which will cross the country from Turku to the eastern border. SSAB has had a significant role as safety barrier supplier also in previous projects. The service provider of this PPP project is Tieyhtiö Vaalimaa Oy, and the procuring authority is Finnish Transport Agency. The main contractor is YIT Rakennus Oy.

Reliability of the supplier was essential selection criterion for the contractor YIT Rakennus Oy. It was crucial for the customer that we they can trust supplier’s capability to deliver the extensive delivery amounts during the year. SSAB’s production capacity is high enough for projects like this.

The waiting area for heavy vehicles at Vaalimaa, including 461 parking spaces for heavy goods vehicles, was opened in January 2017. The first section of the E18 Hamina–Vaalimaa motorway, from Lelu to Kattilainen, was opened to traffic on 10 February 2017. The work on other motorway sections, from Kattilainen to Virojoki (Part 3) and from Virojoki to Vaalimaa (Part 4), is also progressing as planned. During the project SSAB has been responsible for delivering 114km of safety barriers based on project demands. The construction will be completed in spring 2018 and the motorway opened to traffic.

SSAB’s tailored and ready-to-install safety barrier systems can be used for directing traffic as well as to fence and protect areas. SSAB’s side barriers are well­suited for a variety of purposes. Crash-tested safety barriers are compliant with the requirements of EN 1317­2 and have proven their durability in demanding environmental conditions. Thanks to long rail sections and bolted joints, installation is quick and easy.