As general planning progresses, it has become clear that significant changes will be required at Kalasatama Metro Station for the construction of the bridge. According to current estimates, the station will need to be closed for about six months before and six months after the Metro services are suspended. During this time, Metro trains will pass Kalasatama station without stopping. The exact timing of the station closure will be determined as planning advances.
"The platforms of the station are partially built on top of the bridge that is to be replaced. This necessitates the dismantling of the platforms so that the bridge deck can be rebuilt. While closing the station for such an extended period is unfortunate, it is unavoidable. In the further planning, we aim to find ways to minimize the duration of the station closure time and the overall service disruption. We will also provide incentives to the contractor to shorten this disruption," says Antti Nousiainen, Director of the Asset Management Unit at Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd.
Replacement services to be provided to ensure public transport availability in East Helsinki and Kalasatama
Metro services will be suspended entirely during the bridge replacement between Hakaniemi and Kulosaari, according to preliminary plans. HSL is planning replacement bus services between Hakaniemi and Herttoniemi. There are also plans to increase the frequency of several regular bus routes. Although travel times will inevitably increase, efforts will be made to ensure frequent and comprehensive connections in all situations. According to the current schedule estimates, the Kruunusillat tramway between Laajasalo and Hakaniemi is expected to be operational by then, providing service in the eastern direction.
HSL is currently planning the replacement services for the Metro. In addition to the replacement bus service between Hakaniemi and Herttoniemi, plans include increasing the frequency of existing bus services, for example, to train stations. Increased services are being planned, for instance, between Herttoniemi and Pasila, Itäkeskus and Pukinmäki, Itäkeskus and Malmi, and Mellunmäki, Kontula, and Malmi. Transport links will be ensured for Kalasamata not only by bus but also by tram. Trams will also serve passengers traveling in Sompasaari, Nihti, and Laajasalo.
HSL is considering extending the routes of trams 12 (Yliskylä–Hakaniemi) and 13 (Länsi-Pasila–Nihti) to Mikonkatu, which would create direct transport links from Kalasatama and Laajasalo to the city center.
“We, the City of Helsinki and Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, are doing everything we can to ensure smooth travel even in this exceptional situation. This requires good planning and hard work, as this is the largest service disruption in HSL’s history," says Johanna Wallin, Director of the Transport Division at HSL. HSL has gained more experience in organizing replacement services this year during the Vuosaari Metro service disruption. Passengers have mostly given positive feedback on the arrangements in place.
The affected section, between Kalasatama and Kulosaari, is the busiest part of the Metro line. The work to be carried out will help ensure that one of the most important trunk connections in the entire region continues to operate reliably in the coming decades.
Selection of contractor underway
Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd is currently in the process of selecting a contractor for the project. The duration, timing, and cost estimate of the service disruption will be specified together with the chosen contractor. Incentives will be set to minimize the duration of the service disruption and the inconvenience caused to passengers. Preparatory construction work for the project is scheduled to start in the spring of 2026.
The schedule for the replacement of the Junatie Metro bridge is coordinated by Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd, the City of Helsinki, and HSL. The replacement of the Junatie bridge will be coordinated with other planned traffic and repair projects to minimize the impact of the Metro service disruptions on transportation.