Three bridges in a European capital will provide a new tram shortcut to an island district – and cars aren’t allowed to use it. The Crown Bridges are three new structures in Helsinki, Finland, that have brought a new pedestrian and cycle path between an area close to the centre of the city and Laajasalo, an island and rapidly expanding residential area in Southeastern Helsinki.
The project includes three structures, including the 422m-long Merihaka Bridge from the city’s Merihaka district to Nihti, a new residential area in the Kalasatama district. The second is the Finke Bridge, which stretches 293 metres and links Nihti and Korkeasaari, a rocky island further east that’s home to the city’s famous zoo. The third, Kruunuvuori Bridge, is the final part, connecting Korkeasaari and Kruunuvuorenranta, a neighbourhood within Laajasalo.
The cable-stayed landmark is the standout structure with a deck length of 1,191m, making it by far the longest of the three bridges, and the longest in the country.
It also boasts a 135m-high pylon, another national record, featuring facade lighting that changes to reflect the season and time of day.
All three bridges are now open to light pedestrian traffic as of April 2026, according to reports. They’re designed to be used exclusively for foot and cycle traffic, with the Crown Bridges Light Rail, a public tram service expected to launch on them next year.
The use of private cars on the bridges is prohibited, though emergency vehicles will be able to use them where necessary, the Helsinki Times reports.
The main aim of the network of structures, all designed by UK-based firm Knight Architects in collaboration with WSP Finland, is to “provide a quick and reliable transport connection from the growing Laajasalo area to the centre of the city”, according to the project’s website.
It adds that the rail connection will “ensure smooth traffic both inside and in and out of Laajasalo during a period which will see the area’s population more than double thanks to the completion of a wholly new residential district, Kruunuvuorenranta, and considerable infill development”.
Among the other benefits is improving transport links to and from Korkeasaari. Meanwhile, the rail connection between the city centre and Laajasalo is expected to reduce future congestion on the eastern branches of Helsinki’s metro system, as authorities have anticipated.
It also provides a unique opportunity for Helsinkians and visitors to walk across the sea and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
According to the outlet, the cost for the bridges and the tramway is 326 million euros in total (around £281.8million).
