Construction in the Töölö area takes place in a dense and historic urban environment. The West Helsinki Light Rail project includes the construction of a new tram section on Topeliuksenkatu, the renovation and redevelopment of Linnankoskenkatu, the development of public square areas around Töölö Library, Töölöntori, and Nordenskiöldinaukio, as well as the renewal of municipal infrastructure.

Once the West Helsinki Light Rail project is completed, public transport in the western inner city will be largely shifted to rail-based transport. The transition of public transport to rail and the development of parking solutions will support the functionality of the area and sustainable mobility in the future.

Topeliuksenkatu

Construction period: 8/2027–11/2029

A new tram line will be constructed on Topeliuksenkatu from the intersection of Mannerheimintie and Topeliuksenkatu to the intersection with Runeberginkatu. The tram line will be located in the centre of the street, with car lanes constructed on both sides. The sidewalks will remain along the edges of the street, and cycling arrangements will be planned for the entire area. In the future, Topeliuksenkatu will have one lane in each direction.

Haartmaninkatu

Construction period: 4/2029–12/2029

Water infrastructure renovation, as well as street and landscaping construction, is being carried out on Haartmaninkatu. As part of the construction work, the street environment will be renewed and the functionality of the area will be improved in preparation for future street arrangements.

Linnankoskenkatu

Construction period: 6/2026–11/2026

The renovation of Linnankoskenkatu and the renewal of the street space began in June 2026. The works will be carried out in two phases. The estimated duration of the entire project is approximately four months, and it is expected to be completed around the turn of October and November 2026.

During the first phase, Linnankoskenkatu will be closed to through traffic between Nordenskiöldinaukio and Stenbäckinkatu from 1 June to 9 August. Pedestrian access to properties will be maintained along Linnankoskenkatu throughout the works, but cycling and motor vehicle traffic will be directed to detour routes. During the second phase, starting on 9 August 2026, one traffic lane will be opened on Linnankoskenkatu in the east–west direction along the same section. Two-way traffic will resume on 27–28 September, after which finishing works will continue until the end of 2026. Depending on weather conditions, some surface construction works may be carried out in spring 2027.

Nordenskiöldinaukio

Construction period: 4/2028–1/2029

The street environment in the Nordenskiöldinaukio area will be renewed as part of the Länsiratikat project construction. The area will combine arrangements for tram traffic, pedestrian movement and cycling, while improving connections in the intersection environment of Mechelininkatu and Linnankoskenkatu. As a result of the construction, the urban space will be developed into a more functional and pleasant square.

Töölö Library

Construction period: 4/2028–10/2029

The surroundings of Töölö Library will be renewed as part of the development of the area’s street space. The library area will be transformed into a clearer and more pleasant square. A tram stop will be built in front of the library. At the same time, a new cycle path will be constructed in the area, which will narrow the pavement on the library side and change pedestrian routes. The renewal will improve safety in the area and clarify the use of space for different modes of transport. The valuable row of trees along Topeliuksenkatu will be preserved where possible.

Töölö parking arrangements

Construction period: 6/2026–12/2027

We are changing the parking arrangements in Töölö so that the parking spaces removed along Runeberginkatu and Topeliuksenkatu will be replaced by adding parking spaces on Töölö’s side streets. New angled parking will be built on the following side streets in Töölö: Messeniuksenkatu, Päivärinnankatu, Ilmarinkatu, Stenbäckinkatu and Töölönkatu.

The works related to the parking arrangements will begin on Ilmarinkatu, causing short-term street closures in the vicinity of Ilmarinkatu during June. In the first phase, Sammonkatu will be closed to traffic between Ilmarinkatu and Runeberginkatu at the beginning of June.

Munkkiniemenbaana

Construction period: 4/2027–11/2027

As part of the West Light Rail project, the missing sections of the Munkkiniemenbaana cycling route will be constructed, completing the area’s cycling network. The new connections will improve the smoothness, safety and continuity of cycling routes. During construction, temporary changes will be made to pedestrian and cycling arrangements as the baana is integrated into the existing street network.

The construction of Munkkiniemenbaana will proceed in phases from spring to autumn 2027. The sections to be built are located in the area between Mechelininkatu, Arkadiankatu, Tuonelankuja, Tennishalli and Hesperiankatu. In addition, Hietakannaksentie will be converted into a cycle street, and smaller municipal infrastructure works will also be carried out in the area. Minor stop arrangements will also be made on Hietalahdenkatu.

The intersection of Runeberginkatu and Topeliuksenkatu

Construction period: 5/2027–11/2027

At the intersection of Runeberginkatu and Topeliuksenkatu, tram tracks will be constructed and municipal infrastructure will be renewed. At the same time, the tram’s electrical systems, as well as street and green area construction, will be implemented. As part of the construction, the street environment in the area will be renewed.

The works will bring changes to mobility and the street space in Etu-Töölö. On Runeberginkatu, the tram lane will be widened on the section between Töölöntori and Arkadiankatu. The Apollonkatu and Sammonkatu stops will be improved to meet the needs of increased tram traffic. In addition, bus lanes will be removed from the section, and the space will be allocated for pedestrian and cycling traffic.

Töölöntori

Construction period: 4/2028–11/2028

The Töölöntori area will undergo a renovation and renewal of the square area. At the same time, the municipal infrastructure of the surrounding streets will be renovated and the functionality of the area will be improved as part of future street arrangements. More detailed information on the scope of the construction will be provided at a later stage.

Runeberginkatu

Construction period: 8/2026–1/2028

Construction on Runeberginkatu will begin at the end of August and continue until the end of 2027. The works will be carried out in phases, starting on the western side of the street and later progressing to the eastern side. The tram tracks will be constructed as the final phase.

Runeberginkatu has water pipes that are over one hundred years old, which is why necessary water infrastructure works will be carried out on the street. In addition, street construction as well as tram track and electrical works will be completed.