Both the Junatie Metro Bridge and the Kulosaarensilta Bridge need to be replaced. Based on investigations conducted by the technical experts of Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd and the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division, it has been determined that the Junatie Metro Bridge should be replaced before the Kulosaarensilta Bridge.
“We want to avoid unexpected disruptions to Metro services, as they would cause significant difficulties for traffic in Helsinki. Now we can ensure that the service disruption is implemented systematically. We are striving to do all we can to minimize disruptions and reduce the duration of the service suspension,” says Executive Director of the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division Ville Lehmuskoski.
Temporary supports were constructed on the bridge during winter as a risk mitigation measure to ensure the continuation of Metro services for the time being. The bridge is safe to use.
Efforts will be made to minimize the negative impacts of the disruption to Metro services
The replacement of the Metro bridge and disruption to Metro services will unavoidably have a major impact on travel in the city. The affected section of the line is one of the busiest in the Metro network. The City of Helsinki will do everything possible to minimize the duration of the disruption to Metro services, for example, by finding alternative work methods and carefully planning work phases. Unfortunately, disruptions to services cannot be avoided.
“It is unfortunate that Metro services will have to be suspended. This will cause major inconvenience to public transport users, especially in East Helsinki. The city strives to find the best means to mitigate the negative impacts and keep the service disruption as short as possible. We will also invest in resident communications,” says Lehmuskoski.
Procurement of a builder for the new bridge to start
The procurement process for the bridge replacement is beginning, with the goal of securing a project partner within this year. This way, the contractor’s expertise can be utilized already in the planning phase to sequence the work and minimize disruptions to services.
Preparatory construction for the project is set to start in spring 2026. Construction work that will have a major impact on Metro services and the rebuilding of the bridge will take place in 2027 when the services will be disrupted for a longer time. The decision to replace the bridge in 2027 is further supported by the fact that, according to the current schedule, tram services on the Kruunusillat tramway will be operational by then, providing services in the eastern direction.
The cost estimate for the bridge replacement, the estimated duration of the service disruption, and the exact section of the line affected will be clarified as the planning progresses. During the service disruption, the Metro will operate in the eastern and western sections, with buses replacing services on the affected section.
Helsinki’s infrastructure in dire need of renovation
In many places, the infrastructure of the City of Helsinki, including streets and municipal engineering, has reached the end of its lifecycle. This applies to the decades-old Metro bridges. Renovation and repairs are necessary to ensure safety and the long-term functionality of urban transport. The City of Helsinki, Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, and HSL will provide more information on upcoming infrastructure projects and their planning in spring 2025.
The replacement of the Junatie bridge will be coordinated with other planned traffic and repair projects to minimize the impact of Metro service disruptions on transport. For example, the Kulosaarensilta Bridge also needs to be replaced. However, this cannot be done simultaneously with the replacement of the Junatie bridge.
The Junatie bridge is the longest bridge (482 meters) on the Metro line. It was built in 1972. A condition assessment in spring 2024 and subsequent investigations in autumn 2024 confirmed significant damage to the bridge. As a precaution, temporary support structures were installed in the winter, and regular monitoring showed worsening damage. Therefore, the replacement must be expedited.