West-Helsinki Light Rail enters development phase

The urban development project of Western Helsinki, West-Helsinki Light Rail, has entered the development phase at the beginning of the year. The West-Helsinki Light Rail project plans and builds a light rail connection from the city centre to Kannelmäki. Alongside the light rail, new rail sections will be built in the city centre on Fredrikinkatu and Topeliuksenkatu streets. The street space will be designed and built according to high standards, with special focus to street greenery and sustainability. Also, high-quality bike lanes will be built.

Light Rail Line 14 will run from the city centre along Mannerheimintie and further through Meilahti, Munkkiniemi, Haaga, and Lassila districts to Kannelmäki in the early 2030s. The route will connect traffic hubs, residential and workplace areas, expanding light rail service to new areas. The light rail is an integral part of the extensive urban development project of the Western Boulevard City, on Huopalahdentie and Vihdintie streets.

During 2025, the project will be advanced by developing both design and implementation solutions towards the set goals. Street planning and other planning required for construction will start simultaneously. As part of the development phase, a target cost will be defined, setting a target outcome cost for the implementation. Under the project’s areas of influence, residents and businesses will be informed and involved through active interaction and by enabling various encounters and active dialogue.

The construction phase of the West-Helsinki Light Rail is estimated to begin in the spring of 2026. The operation is expected to start in the early 2030s.

West-Helsinki Light Rail Project is part of the Helsinki Infrastructure Programme.