Project Profile: Helsinki’s Crown Bridges (Kruunusillat) Light Rail

Helsinki’s Crown Bridges (Kruunusillat) project is a major urban infrastructure initiative establishing a new 10 km light rail connection between the city center and the Laajasalo district. The project is distinguished by its complex bridge engineering, including Finland’s longest bridge, and the extensive use of digital twin technology for project management and lifecycle maintenance. Its core objective is to deliver a sustainable, high-capacity transit corridor to support Helsinki’s urban development strategy.

Technical Specifications

The core of the project’s first phase is the construction of a 10 km tramway from Laajasalo to Hakaniemi. This requires a significant investment in new bridge infrastructure to cross the Kruunuvuorenselkä bay. The central engineering feat is the Kruunuvuorensilta bridge, a 1.2 km cable-stayed structure with a 135m-high central pylon, making it the longest bridge in Finland. It provides a 20-meter vertical clearance for maritime traffic and integrates dedicated corridors for the light rail, cyclists, and pedestrians. Two other new bridges, the Merihaansilta (412 m) and Finkensilta (293 m), are also being constructed.

The project scope also includes the replacement of two existing bridges in Hakaniemi to improve structural integrity and capacity. To manage the complexity of this undertaking, the project utilizes a comprehensive digital twin model created by Blare Technologies and Sitowise. This virtual replica allows for real-time project monitoring, stakeholder collaboration, and streamlined long-term asset management. Advanced construction techniques, such as Mincon’s Spiral Flush drilling technology, are being employed for foundation work, reflecting the project’s commitment to modern engineering solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Urban Connectivity: The project fundamentally enhances public transit access between Helsinki’s city center and the key development districts of Laajasalo, Korkeasaari, and Kalasatama, projected to serve 37,000 daily passengers by 2040.
• Multi-Modal Infrastructure Integration: Beyond light rail, the new bridges are designed as comprehensive transport corridors, featuring dedicated, safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting active mobility and reducing car dependency.
• Advanced Engineering and Digital Management: The project serves as a benchmark for modern infrastructure delivery, characterized by the complex cable-stayed design of the Kruunuvuorensilta bridge and the integration of a digital twin for end-to-end project oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Crown Bridges Light Rail open?

Phase 1 of the Crown Bridges Light Rail project, which includes the new tramway line and the three major bridges, is scheduled for completion and to become operational in 2027.

Who is building the Crown Bridges project?

The project is being delivered by the Crown Bridges alliance, a collaborative consortium that includes the City of Helsinki, YIT (construction), NRC Group Finland (rail infrastructure), Ramboll and Sitowise (engineering). The specific construction of the bridges is handled by the Kruunusillat joint venture, a partnership between YIT and Kreate.