Finland has unveiled the country's longest bridge that does not allow cars or motorcycles. The new Crown Bridges bridge is designed exclusively for pedestrians, cyclists, and trams, which are set to begin operating at the start of next year.

Bridge Features and Purpose

The bridge stretches 1.19 km and is the third and final element of the Crown Bridges complex, connecting the eastern island suburbs of Helsinki with the city center. Thanks to this project, residents of the connected districts now have convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining their lifestyle closely linked to nature.

The bridge links the residential area of Kruunuvuorenranta, Korkeasaari Island, the Laajasalo district, and central Helsinki.

Architectural and Engineering Highlights

The bridge was designed by the British firm Knight Architects in collaboration with structural engineers from WSP Finland. It is a cable-stayed bridge with a 135-meter-high pylon. The horizontal curvature of the structure was chosen both for engineering reasons and to enhance the user experience—the curved shape helps users better sense their approach to their destination.

The design includes special features: the pylon facade is equipped with LED lighting that changes color depending on the time of day and season. To protect pedestrians and cyclists, wind barriers have been installed on the southern side. The cable stays are fitted with patterned plastic tubes that help ice fall off quickly.

Durability and Materials

The bridge design required 100,000 hours of planning. The structure is built to last 200 years, which influenced the choice of materials and maintenance strategies. In the water exchange zone, reinforced concrete elements designed for high loads were used, and for corrosion protection, the outer layer of reinforcement in the sea supports is made of stainless steel.

Transport Infrastructure

Construction of the light rail line is ongoing. After the opening of the new Kruunuvuorenranta residential area, the population of Laajasalo is expected to double, and the bridge will provide fast passenger transit while reducing the load on Helsinki's eastern metro lines. By early 2027, a tram will run across the bridge, linking the city center with Laajasalo.

Significance for Public Transport

The Crown Bridges bridge has become one of the largest bridges in the world dedicated to public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists. No longer bridges combining pedestrian and tram routes (excluding railways) have been identified.

Outlook

This project, focused on residents and modern engineering solutions, could serve as a model for similar infrastructure developments in other countries.