Meridiam Infrastructure: Opening of E18 Eagle Motorway, Finland, links Scandinavia to Russia

HELSINKI and PARIS, Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Meridiam, the leading global investor and asset manager specializing in public and community infrastructure, announced today that the E18 Eagle Motorway, connecting Koskenkyla to Kotka in Finland, has been completed ahead of schedule and was inaugurated this week. The last two sections of the project have been completed and opened to traffic on 1 September 2014. The first three sections had been opened ahead of schedule in late 2013.

The E18 53km motorway is a key link in a major transportation corridor linking Scandinavia to Russia. The highway will serve as a model European project through the implementation of a comprehensive environmental protection program and contribute to development of both regional tourism and trade between Finland and Russia. Procured by the Finnish Transport Agency, the new highway is expected to increase both traffic flow and road users' safety while alleviating the negative impacts borne by neighboring communities. More than 1,000 fewer people will be subjected to traffic noise, and the noise limit of 55 decibels is not exceeded in residential areas. The project also creates optimal conditions for business expansion in the region and will have a significant impact on direct and indirect job development.

"We're pleased to be involved in the Eagle Motorway. This new gateway to increased safety, business development and job creation, is a great example of successful public private partnering, and all those involved can be particularly proud of delivery ahead of schedule for each phase of this project," stated Thierry Deau, founder and chairman of Meridiam.

About Meridiam

Founded in 2005, Meridiam is an independent investment firm specialized in the development, financing, and management of long-term public infrastructure projects. With offices in Paris, New York, Toronto and Istanbul, Meridiam is the leading investor in public infrastructure in Europe and North America. Currently managing $3.5 billion of assets, the firm has to date invested in 32 projects. Designated Global Infrastructure Fund of the Year for the third time in 2012, Meridiam was also the first investor and asset manager to receive ISO 9001 certification.

To learn more: www.meridiam.com

SOURCE Meridiam