Construction works of the first phase of the railway infrastructure of the main route of Rail Baltica Pärnu County on the Selja-Tootsi section

The project was supported by the Estonian state from auction revenues from the emissions trading system.

OVERVIEW OF THE SELJA-TOOTSI CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The construction of the main line of Rail Baltica has reached Pärnu County, where Tariston AS is carrying out works on the section between Selja and Tootsi. The aim of the project is to build a railway embankment and facilities that will connect Estonia to the European railway network. The total length of the section is 15.824 km and it includes the construction of six different facilities. During the project, 3 ecoducts (Kõnnu, Sohlu and Viluvere), 2 viaducts (Kõnnu and Viluvere) and the platform and access road on the building side of the Kaisma stop will be built. The start date of the works is August 2025 and the planned completion is summer 2028. The object is divided into three parts in terms of construction:

• Section I 0+000-6+635 (from Selja to Tootsi)

• Section II 6+635-11+285

• Section III 11+285-15+824 (Tootsi end)

PLANNED WORKS IN 2025

• Establishment of accesses to the future route.
• Carrying out additional surveys and deforestation work.
• Preparation of the route and earthworks (removal of topsoil, crushing of limestone and formation of the blank/embankment in section no. I).

One of the most important and complex works is solving environmental challenges, as the section has many protected species and habitats.

UPCOMING WORK

The main construction of the route, including large-scale earthworks, will begin in the fall of 2025. By the end of 2026, the embankment in the Selja-Tootsi section must be fully constructed over five kilometers, and ten kilometers by 2027. During the project, various water culverts and infrastructure necessary for the functioning of the railway will be built, for example, 96 culverts in total.

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION

To ensure access to the railway route, the most optimal routes have been selected, along which transport to the site will take place. The route chosen as the coordinated transport route is one that avoids large settlements and tries to disturb local residents as little as possible. The necessary traffic signs and direction signs will be installed on the transport routes, and maintenance and dust control will be carried out as necessary. Larger transports are expected from October 2025, before which we will also restore and, if necessary, repair the road surface.

The construction of the Rail Baltica railway route and facilities is a large-scale undertaking that will have a significant impact on the daily lives of many people. We understand that construction work may cause inconvenience and ask for the understanding of local residents. We will do our best to minimize disruption.

• National roads used for transport

• Local government roads used for transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY

During the construction works, the traffic of passenger cars and large trucks will increase in the area. Our task is to ensure that truck drivers are careful on narrow roads and take into account the movement needs of local residents. During the construction, all road users, including local residents, must be attentive and choose an appropriate driving speed and route. The route of the trucks will be marked accordingly and, if necessary, we will establish a speed limit to ensure smooth traffic and safety.

For questions regarding the construction or traffic management of the Selja-Tootsi main route, please contact:

Tariston AS Project Manager