West-Helsinki Light Rail marks a new era of urban development as part of the Infrastructure Programme Helsinki
The Infrastructure Programme Helsinki , established by the Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, the City of Helsinki, and the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority, has commenced operation in collaboration with its alliance partners. The work within the Infrastructure Programme, which comprises three tramway and urban development projects, has begun with the West-Helsinki Light Rail.
The West-Helsinki Light Rail is being designed and implemented as a light rail connection from the city centre to Kannelmäki. In parallel with the light rail, new tramway sections are being constructed in the western central city along Fredrikinkatu and Topeliuksenkatu.
Helsinki’s urban structure is being densified in accordance with the new master plan around Huopalahdentie and Vihdintie. The West-Helsinki Light Rail lays the foundation for a new urban boulevard and a public transport solution based on rail traffic in western Helsinki. The light rail line also enables sustainable travel chains. The streetscape is being designed and built to a high standard, with particular attention paid to green areas and sustainability, and high-quality cycle paths are also being constructed.
The West-Helsinki Light Rail, the first project to commence within the Infrastructure Programme, has entered the development phase. During 2025, the technical and financial objectives for the alliance contract’s implementation phase will be defined, and an implementation plan for the project will be prepared. Construction will begin gradually in spring 2026. According to preliminary information, construction will start on Vihdintie, the Haaga roundabout, the Turuntie junction, Munkkiniemen puistotie, Töölö Square, and Linnankoskenkatu.
In summer 2025, the West-Helsinki Light Rail will carry out preparatory works in Lassila. The purpose of the water supply network works, starting in early June 2025, is to prepare for the later dismantling of nearby power lines and their underground cabling. These works will be completed by December 2025 at the latest. In addition, ground investigations will be conducted along the entire route of the West-Helsinki Light Rail during 2025.
Infrastructure Programme Helsinki for the world’s best and most sustainable urban development
The Infrastructure Programme Helsinki addresses the needs of a growing city by leveraging opportunities for collaboration and continuous improvement. Tramway projects are never just tramway projects; they also involve the creation of other urban infrastructure, such as the municipal engineering and street environment required for a boulevard city along Vihdintie and Huopalahdentie. The Infrastructure Programme will be implemented in stages between 2024 and 2033.
The programme’s projects include the West-Helsinki Light Rail, the West Harbour Light Rail, and the Viikki–Malmi Light Rail.
In line with the vision of striving for the best in the world, the Infrastructure Programme places particular emphasis on customer value and partnerships based on collaboration and mutual respect among stakeholders.
