Hagudi Alu construction project
OVERVIEW OF THE HAGUDI-ALU CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Tariston AS is continuing construction work in Rapla County on the section between Hagudi and Alu. The aim of the project is to build a railway embankment and related structures that will connect Estonia to the European railway network. The total length of the section is approximately 7 km and includes the construction of four different structures. As part of the project, two wildlife tunnels, one pedestrian and cyclist tunnel, and a bog slab crossing the Hagudi bog will be built. The planned completion of the work is in the autumn of 2027.
“Clearing work has been completed and the route corridor has been cleared. Topsoil has been removed along 99% of the entire section. In addition, limestone breaking work is being carried out near the Kuku (Hagudi-Kodila) viaduct and the Seli-Koigi-Alu road viaduct. The volume of limestone to be broken is about 50,000 m³, of which approximately 20,000 m³ has already been broken and crushed,” commented Tariston AS project manager Madis Saadik.
Excavation work has been minimal so far, with only the areas necessary for breaking exposed. A temporary road has been built at the southern end of the bog up to the start of the bog slab, where a log road is currently also being constructed for piling.
PLANNED WORKS FOR 2025
• Starting the construction of the future railway embankment
• Breaking and crushing of bedrock
• Excavation of existing soil according to the project
• Construction of maintenance and access roads
• Construction of wildlife tunnels on both sides of the bog
• Construction of box culverts
• Development of land drainage systems
• Construction of the bog slab in the Hagudi bog
UPCOMING WORKS
One of the most significant and unique tasks is the construction of the Hagudi bog slab, which presents several interesting challenges. “We have now reached the stage where we are building the log road and driving piles into the bog. If everything goes according to plan, we will begin concrete casting of the piles and start building the bog slab itself in the second half of May,” said Saadik.
In the spring of 2025, construction of the railway embankment will begin, accompanied by large-scale material transport to the site.
Seventeen box culverts and two wildlife tunnels at the edges of the bog are planned for the Hagudi-Alu section. This summer, the construction of box culverts will begin to create passageways for animals through the railway embankment. At the beginning of summer, construction will also start on the North Hagudi and South Hagudi wildlife tunnels.
“The contractor is keeping to the schedule and aims to minimize disruption to the daily lives of local residents and businesses,” says client representative Arto Lille.
FOREST WILDLIFE
Near the North Hagudi wildlife tunnel, outside the railway corridor, there is a badger sett. “We installed a trail camera to monitor the badger’s home. Surprisingly, the badger receives many visitors — in addition to the badger, we’ve captured images of a lynx, foxes, and deer,” noted the project manager.
COOPERATION WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS
“Tariston representatives met with the community before construction began to present the project and the plans for execution. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions about the potential impact of the construction. The main concern was the condition of local roads. The contractor promised to monitor the roads and promptly fix any potholes. The community left the meeting reassured that the builder is taking local people and nature into consideration and that any issues can be reported directly to the contractor. This knowledge gives us peace of mind,” said Hagudi village elder Piret Laur.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT DURING CONSTRUCTION
To ensure access to the railway route, the most optimal transport routes have been selected. These routes avoid large settlements and aim to minimize disruption to local residents. Necessary traffic signs and directional indicators will be installed on the haul roads, and maintenance and dust control will be carried out as needed. Heavier transport operations are expected to begin in May 2025. Prior to this, road surfaces will be restored and repaired as necessary.
The construction of the Rail Baltica railway route and associated structures is a large-scale project with a significant impact on the daily lives of many people. We understand that the construction may cause inconvenience and ask for the understanding of local residents. We are doing our best to minimize disruptions.
State roads used for transport
Local municipality roads used for transport
TRAFFIC SAFETY
During the construction work, there will be an increase in passenger car and large truck traffic in the area. Our responsibility is to ensure that truck drivers remain cautious on narrow roads and take into account the movement needs of local residents. During the construction period, all road users, including local residents, must stay alert and choose appropriate driving speeds and routes. Transport routes will be clearly marked, and if necessary, speed limits will be enforced to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow.
For any questions related to the construction or traffic management of the Hagudi-Alu main route, please contact:
