Vanhankirkonsilta - Old Church Finnish Pedestrian Bridge

Vanhankirkonsilta, meaning Old Church Bridge, is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge built in the city of Hyvinkää, Finland. The structure creates a new accessible connection over the railway line between the historic Old Church and the Finnish Railway Museum area, and the new Hangonsilta district.

The bridge consists of several structural units: above the railway, a 55-metre-span arch bridge made of corten steel leads across, with approach bridge sections and ramps connected on both sides. The long ramped layout enables the bridge to be used by pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.

We participated in the project with bridge design services. Our bridge design office worked on the design of the outward-leaning steel arch bridge over the main span and on the related BIM-based structural calculations. The related design tasks were carried out in a Finnish partner environment, in line with the project structure managed by the original client and its legal successor.

The professional character of the project came from the structural form, the railway crossing and the international design collaboration. The main bridge section was made of corten steel, also known as weathering steel, which develops a natural protective layer on its surface. This not only defines the bridge’s distinctive brownish appearance, but also supports more sustainable operation with lower maintenance needs.

Vanhankirkonsilta is both a transport connection and an urban landmark. The bridge improves pedestrian and bicycle permeability in Hyvinkää, while its material use and form fit both the historic setting and the development of the new district.

Original client: NRC Group Finland Oy

Legal successor: Sweco Finland Oy

Contractor: GRK

Steel structure manufacturer: Steel Group Pohjanmaa Oy