Helsinki officials opened the Kruunuvuorensilta bridge on April 18, 2026 [2], creating a car-free link for trams, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The project establishes a sustainable transportation corridor designed to reduce city traffic and promote tourism. By removing automobiles from the route, the city aims to lower emissions and improve the commute between the city centre and the Kruunuvuorenranta suburb.

Measuring 1,191 metres [1], the structure is the longest sea bridge of its kind globally [4]. The bridge is dedicated exclusively to non-motorized transport and public transit, meaning no cars are allowed on the span [4].

Local authorities said that over 50,000 visitors [3] crossed the bridge during its first weekend of operation. The infrastructure serves as a primary link across the sea, integrating the suburb more closely with the urban core of the Finnish capital.

City officials said the bridge was designed to facilitate a shift toward greener transit options. The construction focuses on providing a reliable path for the city's tram system while ensuring safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This development is part of a broader effort to modernize Helsinki's infrastructure to meet climate goals—prioritizing mass transit over private vehicle use.

“The bridge is dedicated exclusively to non-motorized transport and public transit.”

The completion of the Kruunuvuorensilta bridge signals a shift in urban planning toward '15-minute city' concepts, where sustainable transit reduces reliance on cars. By prioritizing trams and pedestrians over private vehicles, Helsinki is creating a scalable model for coastal cities to expand their residential suburbs without increasing road congestion or carbon emissions.