Kruunuvuori bridge is now officially opened to pedestrians and cyclists. During the opening event on April 18, visitors got a chance to walk across the bridge from end to end for the first time. More than 50,000 visitors got an immersive first experience of this Helsinki landmark during the opening weekend.
Kruunuvuori bridge was designed by WSP in Finland, with Knights Architects as subconsultant. The design is based on the winning entry of an international design competition held in 2012. YIT and Kreate formed the TYL Kruunusillat consortium to carry out the construction, with experts from both companies contributing throughout the construction phase. Project management services were provided by HTJ.
Kruunuvuori bridge an exceptional project by international standards. Bridges of this scale are rarely built exclusively for public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.
The bridge’s central pylon rises to 135 metres. When illuminated, it is visible from many parts of the city. Its facade lighting changes according to the time of day and the season, adding an impressive new element to Helsinki’s skyline.
“In designing Kruunuvuori bridge, we considered the needs of users alongside technical requirements and sustainability considerations. From the outset, the focus was on pedestrian and cyclist safety, a comfortable travel experience, and barrier-free accessibility,” says WSP’s Sami Niemelä, lead designer for the bridge. “Opening the bridge to light traffic marks an important milestone, providing a safe and distinctive route across the surrounding urban landscape. And on a personal level, it is truly a special moment to see a long-standing vision realised, with people using the bridge after years of design and construction.”
The project now enters its next phase, with work continuing to equip the bridge for tram traffic. Tram services on the bridge are scheduled to begin in 2027.
