The construction of the stairs was delayed by a year and a half due to complaints. While efforts have been made to take into account the natural values, the location of the fitness stairs in particular has been criticised by opponents of the project.
In Lahti, the Kariniemi fitness and landscape stairs are being erected at a good pace. Construction on Kariniemenmäki started in early September and the first phase is now complete.
When completed, the 120-metre-long, two-and-a-half-metre-wide staircase will zigzag up the slope in twenty-metre sections. There will be four landings, with seating. The steps are made of dark brown wood, the handrails of brownish metal. A strip of light will be placed at the bottom of the handrails.
The location of the stairs is a source of irritation for nature lovers
Several associations and nearby residents lodged complaints about the project, which affected the timetable for the construction of the stairs. The appeals resulted in a decision by the Administrative Court.
In particular, the location of the stairs irritates several critics of the project. According to the nature lovers of Salpauselka, the path and the old treads can be found at the intersection of the Satamaraiti and Pikku Vesijärvi park walkways.
– From that point of view, it is a central and visible place, says Kujala.
Ready this autumn
The stairs are expected to be completed at the end of November. They will probably be closed soon after completion, there is no winter maintenance on the stairs.
– It depends on the weather conditions, what happens, project manager Markku Silvenius estimates.