The Crusell Bridge in Helsinki's Jätkäsaari district shows new leaks just one year after a 1.4 million euro renovation. Water now penetrates beneath the surface structures through damaged seals and cracked concrete.
Project manager Riku Kytö from Helsinki's urban environment department acknowledged the issues. "It definitely shouldn't look like that," he said when shown photographs of the damage.
Kytö described the damage as not alarming but admitted repairs are necessary. The bridge's warranty inspection will occur by November 2026, after which responsibility for fixes will be determined.
During summer renovations, workers replaced cracked surface structures and faulty waterproofing. The insulation had partially detached from the bridge deck in some areas.
Now fresh damage appears along the entire bridge length. Sealant bulges from joints while concrete surfaces show multiple cracks. Only one crack appears sealed with gray filler.
Border stones don't align properly either, leaving visible gaps. Water drips from bridge structures in locations where it shouldn't, visible to pedestrians below.
Kytö emphasized that water beneath surface layers doesn't necessarily reach load-bearing structures. Drainage pipes redirect moisture from insulation layers.
"Still, damage looking like this must be repaired," Kytö stated.
The Crusell Bridge opened in 2011 crossing the Ruoholahti canal. Last summer's extensive repairs seemed unusual for a structure only 13 years old.
City officials express confidence in the new insulation system. They believe the waterproofing should last 30-40 years as intended.
This repeated damage raises questions about construction quality and maintenance standards for Helsinki's infrastructure projects. The situation suggests either workmanship issues or inadequate materials for Nordic weather conditions.