Kreate Oy recycles bridge concrete for Finnish infrastructure

Approximately 14,000 tons of concrete from the demolished Kirjalansalmi and Hessundinsalmi bridges are being recycled for use in the Kurkela–Kuusisto project, also known as the Paraistenväylä. This initiative marks one of the first instances in Finland where on-site concrete crushing meets the requirements of the ‘Ei enää jätettä’ (No more waste) EEJ regulation.

Kreate Oy implemented this process by securing environmental permits and establishing a dedicated processing area for the materials. The project utilized an alliance model with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) to develop these new operational methods.

The demolition of the 287-meter Kirjalansalmi bridge involved specialized techniques, including the controlled removal of 32-meter pylons without the use of planned explosives. This process provided valuable technical experience in dismantling complex cable-stayed bridge structures.