Pitkäsilta bridge in Helsinki. Photo: Leonhard Lenz / Wikipedia Commons
- Next Article October temperatures exceed averages across Finland
Traffic on Aleksis Kiven katu in Helsinki will resume on Monday, 3 November, following over a year of street and infrastructure renovation. The repairs, which began in September 2024, are nearing completion significantly ahead of the original schedule.
Tram line 9, as well as buses 500 and 510, will return to their original routes. Services have operated on diversions since March due to construction. Tram lines 3, 6, 7 and 9 will also resume their regular paths across Pitkäsilta from Monday, the first time since early 2022.
The Aleksis Kiven katu project involved replacing nearly century-old water pipes, rebuilding tram tracks, relocating bus stops, and adjusting pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Work was initially expected to end in autumn 2026, but progress was faster than planned due to a series of logistical advantages and favourable weather.
“We were able to renovate the entire road in one stage instead of phasing the work,” Heikki Kosonen, Project Director at Helsinki Urban Environment Division, said. “This allowed us to carry out water infrastructure upgrades on both sides simultaneously.”
The contractor also extended working hours, including weekends. A mild winter enabled uninterrupted work, further accelerating progress.
The redesign of Aleksis Kiven katu introduces significant changes for pedestrians and cyclists. The previous cycle path that ran along the central tree-lined avenue has been turned into a pavement. New cycling lanes now run in both directions alongside vehicle lanes.
Kosonen said the modifications were intended to improve safety and traffic flow. “Widened crossings and separated traffic paths support smoother and safer movement for everyone.”
A new dedicated bus lane was added in the direction from Fleminginkatu to Sturenkatu. The old tram rails at Fleminginkatu crossing were replaced with a gentler curve to reduce wear and noise.
The bus stop previously located outside S-Market Vallila has been moved to Aleksis Kiven katu 7. A joint tram and bus stop has been set up at the eastern end of Fleminginkatu to reduce congestion at the old stop area.
More lime trees have also been planted along the avenue, replacing the old ones removed during the works.
In the city centre, the reopening of Pitkäsilta marks the return of normal tram service through Hakaniemi for the first time since 2022. The bridge had been closed due to extensive infrastructure upgrades along Siltasaarenkatu.
Tram line 3 now runs from Töölöntulli to Eira via Alppiharju, Kallio, Hakaniemi and Kaisaniemi. Line 6 operates from Arabia to Eiranranta through Bulevardi. Line 6T will be discontinued.
Line 7 resumes service from Hakaniemi to Länsisatama through Kruununhaka and Helsinki Central Station. Line 7B and 7T will be removed.
Tram line 9 now runs between Ilmala and Länsisatama via Alppiharju, Kallio and Hakaniemi, ending its temporary route to Kauppatori. The updated route includes Aleksis Kiven katu and Fleminginkatu. Lines 9T and 9B will cease.
According to Helsinki Region Transport (HSL), changes in tram timetables will take effect across nearly all lines from Monday. Line 5 will also return to operation, while lines 4 and 10 will increase frequency.
The Siltasaarenkatu renovation included water and sewer replacement and installation of new switches at Hakaniemenranta junction to support a future light rail connection between Laajasalo, Korkeasaari, Kalasatama and Hakaniemi, planned for 2027.
Aleksis Kiven katu will undergo minor finishing work for the rest of the year, including lighting, masonry and green area improvements.
HT
- Next Article October temperatures exceed averages across Finland
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
