The European Investment Bank (EIB) is supporting a major expansion of Helsinki’s sustainable transport infrastructure with a EUR 400 million financing package. The funding will help extend the tram network to the city’s eastern suburbs, construct a new combined tram and bus depot, purchase new rolling stock, and create new pedestrian and cycle paths.
The investment will fund the “Crown Bridges Light Rail” project, which includes loans of EUR 150 million to the City of Helsinki and EUR 250 million to Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd (Pääkaupunkiseudun Kaupunkiliikenne Oy). The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Designed to improve urban mobility and reduce emissions, the new tramline will link the city centre to the districts of Laajasalo, Korkeasaari and Kalasatama. The route is expected to halve travel times in the area to just 20 minutes and stimulate development in these growing residential zones.
“Investing in sustainable transport is a priority for the EIB,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros. “This project will play an important role in improving the quality of life for Helsinki’s residents.”
Given that Laajasalo and Korkeasaari are islands, the scheme includes the construction of three major bridges. The longest, Kruunuvuorensilta, will span 1,200 metres and feature a 135-metre pylon, making it Finland’s tallest bridge. The other two crossings – Merihaansilta and Finkensilta – will measure 400 and 300 metres respectively. All three will include three-metre-wide cycle lanes and pedestrian walkways up to six metres wide.
Helsinki tram depot
As part of the wider investment, Helsinki will also build the Ruskeasuo depot – the country’s first integrated tram and bus depot. The facility will accommodate up to 80 trams and include maintenance areas, a wheel lathe track, and dedicated spaces for regional bus services.
The EIB’s contribution covers around 40% of the total project cost. In addition to funding the line and depot, it will also support the purchase of new tram sets for use across Helsinki’s wider network.
The financing forms part of the EIB’s broader commitment to promoting low-carbon transport and improving urban air quality across Europe.
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