Putzmeister concrete pumps in use during the construction of the fixed road link between Oulu and Hailuoto

Since 2024, an 8.4-kilometre-long link has been under construction across the northern Gulf of Bothnia, intended to replace the existing ferry service, which was prone to disruption and required extensive maintenance. The project combines modern engineering with sustainable construction methods and will strengthen the region’s accessibility and economic development in the long term.

 

The centrepiece of the link is a section of causeway and the two bridges, Huikku and Riutu. A milestone was reached as early as 2025 with the concreting of the deck slab of the Riutu Bridge: it was the largest bridge concreting operation in Finnish history. High-performance Putzmeister BSF56-5 and BSF47-5 truck-mounted concrete pumps were among the equipment used, enabling efficient and precise execution.

Construction work is currently focused on the Huikku Bridge. With a deck length of 767 metres and a width of 10.2 metres, it is the longer of the two bridges. Despite its size, it requires significantly less material than the Riutu Bridge, at around 2,400 cubic metres of concrete. The reason lies in the construction method: whilst the Riutu Bridge is based on solid concrete girders, the Huikku Bridge relies on a steel composite structure in which concrete is primarily used for the deck slab. This construction method reduces material usage and weight and is a prime example of modern, resource-efficient engineering approaches.
The concrete for the carriageway is poured within a tightly scheduled timeframe of three to four days, operating in two shifts.

Over 100 skilled workers are involved, supported by precisely coordinated logistics: twelve ready-mix trucks continuously deliver concrete to the site, which is then pumped onto the bridge deck at a height of over 25 metres using several Putzmeister BSF47-5 truck-mounted concrete pumps. The company Ruskon Betoni Oy from Oulu is responsible for the execution.

Once the concrete work is complete, the final construction phases will follow, including the installation of railings and expansion joints, waterproofing work and asphalting. At the same time, the temporary working embankment will be dismantled. Materials will be systematically dismantled, recycled or reused in other projects – a clear signal for sustainable construction.

The project highlights how modern pumping technology makes complex construction projects more efficient, safer and more cost-effective. Putzmeister stands not only for high-performance machines, but also for solutions that deliver maximum performance even under extreme conditions. Long-standing Putzmeister dealer Tornokone Oy supports Ruskon Betoni Oy with expert service and a reliable supply of spare parts.

With completion scheduled for late 2026 and a total investment of 121 million euros, the project sets new standards for infrastructure development in Northern Europe. It not only connects two regions geographically, but also stands for efficiency, innovation and sustainable construction practices, as well as the crucial role of innovative technology partners such as Putzmeister.