Kutila canal, Taipalsaari

A bridge of just over a hundred meters will be built over the canal, which is intended to improve the condition of the water system, and will rise to a height of 18 meters above the water surface. A-Insinöörit is designing the canal and the bridge crossing it. The Kutila Canal will open a new route from Kiviselkä on Suur-Saimaa via the approximately 500-meter-wide Kutila Isthmus and Umianlampi to Pien-Saimaa. The pumping stations to be built in connection with the canal will improve water circulation. The canal will be built as an underwater trench, as the Kutila Isthmus is a groundwater area. The pumping stations will be located in connection with the Kutila Canal and at the Kopinsalmi Strait. A-Insinöörit is designing the canal's gate, lock and pump station structures together with a network of experts including AFRY, WSP, Geobotnia, Civil Tech and Pontek. The project also includes a boat lane of just over ten kilometres and the Manteerentie Bridge, a 135-metre-long prestressed concrete girder bridge that crosses the canal. In addition to the roadway, the bridge will have a light traffic lane, and with its high embankments it will become a visible landmark from the terrain. The bridge is exceptional in its significant 18-metre underpass height. The height is needed so that sailboats can also travel directly from Lappeenranta and Taipalsaari to Suur-Saimaa. The aim is that construction of the canal, pump stations and bridge could begin in 2025. The pump stations are intended to be put into operation during 2026. The canal would be opened to boat traffic in 2027.