Pipe bridges, city bikes and combining art with construction - the technical director is involved in many things

At work in Riksu, there is a story series in which the employees of the city of Riihimäki talk about their work.

City bikes and the covered bike park at the Riihimäki train station are a concrete example of what the technical industry does for the benefit of city dwellers. There are city bike stations all over the city, and when you get on the train, you can leave your bike in Asema-aukio's sturdy, frame-locking racks, for example under the canopy. There are more than 500 bicycle spaces near the station, and bicycles can be left on up to two floors. The bike is lifted to the second floor using a simple mechanism.

"I was involved in acquiring the first city bikes for Riihimäki in 2020. I have been involved in the negotiations with the Highways Agency, the end result of which has been the development of bicycle parking in the Aseman region in recent years. The Norwegian Railway Agency has financed part of the new racks, and more joint procurements will take place next fall. I'm still involved in the preparation with which the two-story bike park could possibly be locked," says engineer (YAMK) Maria Vasko, 39, who is Riihimäki's new technical director.

He is responsible for the entire city's technical industry. It includes a spatial center, an urban engineering center, a sports center and the area of ​​responsibility for planning and operational control.

Vasko only started as technical director a few weeks ago, and that's why he talks more about his previous positions in the city, all of which have trained him for his current position. He has worked at Riihimäki for eight years. At first, he came to the depot as a maintenance manager, then worked as a constructor, street manager and design manager.

"As a builder, I carried out contracts for streets and public areas. For example, I was responsible for the implementation of the extension of Kokonkatu and the new residential area of ​​Huhtimonmäki. As a street manager, I managed the whole of municipal engineering investments. In the last months, I took care of acting as a city engineer, deputy technical director", says Vasko.

He states that in eight years Riihimäki has done a lot of work for the sake of a pleasant city: public art has been added to the city, streets have been renovated and central parks have been fundamentally improved.

"I belong to the art working group that decides on the acquisition of public works of art. When the media art piece Kuppikivi was chosen for Asematunnel, I was involved when the station tunnel was built, that is, the art was coordinated with the construction."

Vasko cites the professional organization and work team as the most pleasant thing in his job, with whom it is nice to work together. About 160 people with sixty job titles work directly under the technical director. There are, for example, swimming supervisors, physical education instructors, painters, electricians, cleaners and gardeners.

"The team from the technical industry keeps, for example, sports facilities and parks in good condition and takes care of winter work on the city's roads. The transport team is considering, for example, local transport routes and developing the R-ride. Professionals in the field of exercise lead indoor and outdoor exercise groups."

Vasko says that he really likes municipal work because it is versatile and there are so many sides and factors to the same thing.

"We work together, sparring each other. In my municipal work, I can influence the development of the city of Riihimäki and the smooth everyday life and services of the municipal residents. I feel that my work really matters."

The new Jokikylä is being built little by little

Vasko's working days are full of face-to-face or remote meetings, when ideas are exchanged with colleagues and experts. The work is extensive preparation, reporting and follow-up work. Vasko also regularly visits terrain inspections or construction sites.

He was photographed in the Jokikylä area, whose new formula just became law. The aim is to create a high-quality and urban-looking new residential area within walking distance of the train station. Right now, the construction planning of the area's streets, park area and riverbed relocation is underway as a consultant.

"Construction will start this year with wiring works. A new riverbed, as well as a river park and walkways, will be built next year."

Vasko has also started the construction project of the central pipe bridges for the city. The city of Riihimäki is located in an area with a significant flood risk from the Vantaanjoki. That is why the too small double culverts of the Vantaanjoki have been replaced by pipe bridges in the central area of ​​Riihimäki.

"All four tube bridges in the city center have now been completed. First, a permit was applied for from the regional administration office, and I applied for state aid for the implementation of all pipe bridges. The project has received a total of about 1,7 million euros in state aid. The Teollisuuskatu pipe bridge was the first to be completed in 2020."

Vasko lives with his family in Hattula, which is about half an hour's drive from Veturi, Riihimäki's office center.

"I like to move in nature and travel with my family. In the winter, I enjoy skiing, snowboarding and going outdoors."

Reija Ypyä

Clarifications have been made to the text content on September 4.9.2023, XNUMX.