Tampere makes a historical decision – the city will build a tramway

Tampere takes a first step towards a new era when the city council voted to approve construction of a tramway. Construction of the first stage of the tramway is set to begin in the spring of 2017.

Construction begins

Construction of the first part of the Tampere tramway – Pyynikintori-University Hospital-Hervanta – begins. Construction work is carried out in separate stages at five different sites in the city.

First Tampere tramway tracks are laid in Hervanta

The tramway tracks are transported to Hervanta from Antwerp. The first meters of track are laid on concrete slabs at the intersection between Insinöörinkatu and Kanjoninkatu.

Tram day is celebrated in Tampere’s central marketplace

Tram day is celebrated in Tampere’s central marketplace on June 6, with a chance to see a real tram on its way to Helsinki from Kajaani. An online forum for residents of Tampere provides information on the tramway project and answers customer questions. The first 1,000 people get a free tram ticket.

Track laying begins on Hämeenkatu

In mid-July, the western end of Hämeenkatu see its first tramway tracks.

Construction of the tram depot begins

Construction of the tram dept begins in Hervanta at end of Hermiankatu near the Rusko industrial area. Foundation work is expected to last one year, with construction of the depot building beginning in the spring of 2019.

The story of an old wallet

An old wallet that’s been lost for thirty years pops up at a tramway construction site. The owner of the wallet is quickly found with the help of social media.

The grand opening of Laulusilta bridge

The opening of a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Hervanta main road is celebrated with balloons and big crowds. Trams fit nicely under the new bridge.

The city council approves the next stage in the tramway project

The city council of Tampere decides to begin the second stage in the development and design of the Tampere tramway. The final decision to build a tramway is set for a later date.

Construction on the Hämeensilta bridge begins

Renovation of the Hämeensilta bridge take place in two stages: the first stage begins February, when the south end of the bridge is torn down. The legendary bridge statues are moved to a safe location, leaving a temporary gap in this historic location.

Review of tram design begins – What in the world is a mock-up?

Tampere’s own tram design project begins and the first mock-up – a full-scale tram model made from plywood and board – is unveiled to test groups from Tampere in Oulu. The design of the tram cars continues based on feedback from the review.

Review of colour options for the Tampere tram

The residents of Tampere get to evaluate different tram colour options. The goal is to find the tram colour that best matches Tampere.

The results of the tram colour review are made public

The results of the tram colour review are made public. The results will help the design agency responsible for the final tram design and colour to continue its work.

The final tram design and colour are revealed

This brings to end an important stage in the tramway project: we will finally know what our eagerly anticipated tram looks like.

The final mock-up of the tram arrives in Tampere

Test groups have already seen the preliminary mock-up in April. Design work on the tram continues and the final tram design and colour are announced in September. The final mock-up makes its way to Tampere in November, when city folk can step inside the tram car for the first time.

Construction of the depot building begins

Construction of the depot building begins in Hervanta after foundation work is completed.

Track laying on Hämeensilta bridge begins

Track laying on Hämeensilta bridge begins after the second stage of the bridge renovation is completed.

Testing of tram cars and the tramway system begins.

Construction of the Hervanta depot is completed.

Technical and commercial trial traffic begins.