Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Infrastructure Programme Helsinki
The Infrastructure Programme Helsinki is a comprehensive programme consisting of three projects and two alliance groups, aimed at designing and constructing infrastructure investments that support the growth, urban environment, and transport development of Helsinki into the early 2030s.
Read more: About Infrastructure Programme Helsinki – Infraohjelma Helsinki
Previous alliance projects, such as Jokeri Light Rail, Crown Bridges, and the Kalasatama–Pasila Project, were centred around a single light rail project. In contrast, the programme consists of multiple projects at different stages of planning, decision-making, and construction.
Helsinki is investing in growth and the development of the urban environment and transport system. The programme aims to facilitate this by enabling the cost-effective and coordinated implementation of several simultaneous projects using the same resources. The objectives of the programme include generating synergies, better managing the impacts of simultaneous implementations, and developing the expertise of both the city and the broader infrastructure sector in executing demanding urban infrastructure projects.
The client parties of the Infrastructure Programme Helsinki are Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, the City of Helsinki, and Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority HSY. The service provider parties are Destia, NRC, Sitowise, Sweco, WSP, and YIT.
No, they have not. The projects included in the programme are at different stages. The implementation of the West-Helsinki Light Rail project was approved in 2021, and the programme is preparing the plans required for the implementation decisions of the Viikki-Malmi and West Harbour light rails. Additionally, separate decisions will be made on other investments to be implemented, such as cycling routes and renovations, in accordance with the appropriate decision-making procedures.
Read more:
– West-Helsinki Light Rail
– West Harbour Light Rail
– Viikki–Malmi Light Rail
The various stages of the projects include extensive interaction and engagement processes. The principle of the programme is open dialogue with residents and various stakeholders at all stages. Information on the progress of the projects and opportunities for interaction will be communicated through the programme’s and projects’ (West-Helsinki Light Rail, West Harbour Light Rail, and Viikki–Malmi Light Rail) own communication channels.
West-Helsinki Light Rail
It is centred around the new light rail line 14, which will run from Munkkiniemi through Huopalahdentie and Vihdintie to Kannelmäki, as well as new tramway sections in the city centre on Topeliuksenkatu and Fredrikinkatu. The project also includes street construction, renovations, and urban development and transport investments in the project area. The scope of the implementation will be refined during the development phase of the project.
The new light rail connection will enhance public transport services in many areas and promote urban development based on rail transport in accordance with Helsinki’s master plan and city strategy. The light rail will provide a smooth, comfortable, reliable, and accessible public transport backbone, enabling a car-independent lifestyle for an increasing number of current and new residents.
Changes to the city tram network are linked to the introduction of the West-Helsinki Light Rail and the Crown Bridges connection between the city centre and Jätkäsaari. These projects will significantly increase tram services on the main entry routes. The key issue raised by the increased tram services is the congestion of the tram network. Therefore, the planned rail projects and the resulting service increases must be integrated into the city tram network. The aim is to find a balance between sufficient service levels to meet demand and a functional and smooth-running tram network. Under these constraints, the goal is to create a network that best serves various mobility needs.
Preliminary plans have been made for the new routes of the tramlines. Decisions on the changes will be made later, and HSL will communicate them through its own channels. Once the West-Helsinki Light Rail is completed, tramline 14 will start operating, running from the city centre along Mannerheimintie and then through Meilahti, Munkkiniemi, Haaga, and Lassila to Kannelmäki.
HSL has not yet planned changes to the bus network for the situation where the West-Helsinki Light Rail operational. Planning is expected to start in the coming years. HSL will communicate widely about the bus network planning project and opportunities to participate in its development, for example, through its own channels.
The City Council approved the general plan for the West-Helsinki Light Rail and decided on the implementation of the project in January 2021. In January 2024, the Urban Environment Committee approved the project plan guiding the implementation. New detailed plans, including traffic plans, have been drawn up for some of the tramway routes. These plans together form the basis for the implementation planning of the project.
During the project, a street plan and the technical plans required for construction will be drawn up for each street section. The street plan will include, among other things, the allocation of street space, traffic solutions, vegetation, and surface materials. The timing of the planning is linked to the project implementation schedule. The planning will involve diverse interaction in the form of resident meetings, workshops, site walks and inspections, and surveys.
All events, materials presented, and questions with answers will be published on the Infrastructure Programme’s website: Tilaisuudet
The phasing and schedule of the construction will be drawn up during the development phase of the project in 2025. Construction on the first sections will begin in 2026. The preliminary starting points are Vihdintie, Haaga roundabout, Turunväylä junction, Munkkiniemen puistotie, Töölöntori, and Linnakoskenkatu.
Participation and feedback
You can participate in the projects by providing feedback, attending public events, and following the progress of the projects on our website and social media (LinkedIn: Infraohjelma Helsinki, Facebook: Länsiratikat, and Instagram: lansiratikat).
Feedback channels and social media accounts for the West Harbour Light Rail and Viikki–Malmi Light Rail will be opened once the implementation of the projects is confirmed.
You can provide feedback (West-Helsinki Light Rail) through our feedback form: Palautesovellus