Central station renovation - what, why and when? 

Central station renovation 

Why is the central station being renovated and demolished? 

— The central station is big and in poor condition. Building technology and surfaces are from the 1970s and require comprehensive updating. Imatra does not need a central station of the current size, so part of the building will be demolished.

— There are several reasons why the building is not completely demolished. The most significant reason is the costs that can be contained with this solution. The property also has general population shelters, which should have been built elsewhere first if the old property had been completely demolished. Building a new building at that point would also have been technically challenging.

— The part to be preserved will be completely renovated. Over the years, some of the structures have received moisture. During the renovation, all surfaces are removed and it is ensured that the structures are dry. The wetted structures are in places where people do not move.

What is the timetable for the renovation?

— The demolition of the wing on the Tainionkoski side will be completed in October. It should be completely ready by the end of September 2025.

How is it possible that the demolition of one wing of the central station and the renovation of the remaining wing take more than a year?

— We cannot build a new one until the old one is demolished. In the case of a new building, the situation would be different when we get to start from a clean slate.

Are the tenders for the renovation public and if so, where can they be seen? 

— Requests for tenders are public and can be found From Hilma. For example, you can put "Imatra central station" as a search term and select "Also show expired ones" under All search criteria.

How can I leave feedback and wishes regarding the renovation of the central station? 

— Feedback and wishes can be given through the city's feedback system: Feedback application (imatra.fi)

Functions and services 

Is it possible to arrange a canopy on the station platform for the central station? 

— The city does not own or manage the platform, but it belongs to the Norwegian Railway Agency. So we cannot build, for example, canopies on the pier ourselves. We have forwarded the feedback we received, and if you wish, you can contact the Norwegian Railway Agency.

Where do you wait for a train or bus in the rain and cold? 

— So far, there are only waiting rooms outside. The Finnish Railways Agency has built a small canopy at the top of the stairs. You can also reach the rain shelter along Tainionkoski road under the bridge. Unfortunately, the area of ​​the property is a construction site and we cannot build public spaces on it, even temporarily.

Would it be possible to arrange toilets at the central station during the renovation? 

— Portable bajamaja-type toilets are prone to vandalism and there is no reasonable place for them in the city area, so they are not an option. A portable toilet container could be a solution, but it required drainage. We will look into the matter throughout the fall. We have also mapped possible other WC facilities nearby and the possibility of opening them for use by customers. At least so far, no reasonable and functional escape mode has been found.

— The limited budget also affects the solutions. Fortunately, trains should have working toilets.

Where is the escort point located during the renovation? Is the escort point marked? 

— The point is located along Tainionkoskentie and is marked.

Could the amount of garbage in the central station be increased? 

— The benches and garbage that were previously at the station have been moved to the station platform. We will monitor the situation and, if necessary, deliver more benches or garbage.

Traffic arrangements 

Is it possible to keep the crosswalk over Tainionkoski even after the renovation of the central station?

— The protection road is here to stay. Its final location may change slightly, but it will remain at the bridge.

Would it be possible to open the connection of vehicle traffic from Koskikatu to the old bridge?

— The connection is closed, because no through traffic has been requested in the yard area of ​​the central station. Now, during the renovation, traffic safety around the station is particularly important. For now, it is not appropriate to open the passageway. If it is determined that the need is real, the situation will be reconsidered.

Where do the long-distance buses leave during the renovation? 

— In front of the station, i.e. pfrom the same place as before.

Where can I leave the bikes in the parking lot during the renovation? 

— The bike racks are next to the construction site fence opposite the construction site office. City bikes are also available near the elevator.