E18 Motorway - “the wilderness motorway”
A Skanska Infrastructure Development-led consortium developed and now operates the 51.3 km E18 highway between Muurla and Lohjanharju in southern Finland. The road opened for traffic in January 2009 and completes a continuous motorway link between Turku and Helsinki. The new highway has improved safety and traffic flow by replacing the existing narrow, curving two-lane road, reducing accidents and shortening journey times.
The E18 is known as "the wilderness motorway" because it runs through an area rich in wildlife. An environmentally sustainable approach to the development was particularly important to minimise disruption.
Multilevel interchanges, separated lanes, animal fences and contouring also improve safety. The new road includes seven tunnels equipped with modern traffic control and emergency systems.
