The aim of the Roadwork Site of the Year competition is to reduce the adverse effects caused by street worksites to city residents and reward good practices of harm reduction. Over the years, the winners of the competition have been united by two things: innovative solutions and a genuine desire to reduce the inconvenience of construction sites for city residents. The competition concept, which started in Helsinki six years ago, will be implemented for the second time in Espoo and for the first time in Turku this year.
The competition’s multidisciplinary jury of experts looks for successful solutions and aims to nudge worksites onto a positive path. This year, the jury includes INFRA, Finnish Property Owners Rakli, Finnish Association of People with Physical Disabilities, Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, HSL, Pyöräliitto cyclists' association, Port of Helsinki and the City of Helsinki, which commissioned the competition. The work of the jury is coordinated by Ramboll Finland.
Many of the jury members have been involved from the start.
“The competition is an effective way to promote the smooth running of everyday life, and provides an opportunity to consider the management of adverse effects from different perspectives. At its best, the work of the jury is a collaboration not only between the members of the jury, but also between the jury and the contractors,” says Tiina Pasuri from the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, who is now part of the jury for the sixth consecutive year.
The competition truly puts the city residents front and centre.
“The City of Helsinki considers it important that worksites take the locals, passers-by and residents into account in their arrangements. The area affected by a construction site also usually has businesses, services and other operators, and securing their operating conditions is an essential part of managing adverse effects,” states Unit Manager Liisa Taskila from the City of Helsinki.
The competition is promoted by highlighting success stories. Previous summers’ competitions have provided clever examples of things such as securing safe mobility, bold communication methods, peepholes on worksite fences and bringing joy to the routes and passageways through art. The impact of the competition has also been recognised internationally. It is the Finnish nominee in the international IFME Awards competition.
“The competition is all about a cultural change that takes place one step at a time. Attitude is key in change, and we strive to change attitudes through this competition. The expertise of the jury and its feedback that focuses on the positives will provide worksites with great tips on how to drive change, and we will monitor their implementation throughout the competition,” summarises Project Director Mikko Suikki from the City of Helsinki.
The winner of the competition will be chosen by the jury and will be announced on 1 October at the Maarakennuspäivä event at Finlandia Hall.
Last year's winners were the Jätkäsaari isthmus bridge and Jätkäsaarenlaituri, with the Tieluiska project team winning an honourable mention for their great attitude.