All of the municipal infrastructure under the surface of the street will be renovated in the intersection, including water management pipes and wells, electrical wiring and communications cables. Tram rails, asphalt, paving, poles, lighting, traffic lights, signage portals and traffic signs will also be renewed at the same time.
“There is plenty to renew in the intersection, and we will be working intensely during the tram service interruption, even at night, if necessary. We may have to move work related to installing rails, for example, to the coolest time of day, meaning the night, due to hot weather,” says project director Antti-Juhani Lehtinen from the City of Helsinki.
Work in the intersection will impact traffic arrangements on Mannerheimintie all the way to Sibeliuksenkatu. The work will generate noise, dust and vibration in the local area over the summer. The work in the intersection will commence in late May with putting the traffic arrangements in place.
Tram lines to run through Ruusulankatu and Töölön halli
Lines 2, 4 and 10 will be diverted to Töölön halli and Ruusulankatu.
Line 1 will be diverted to Kallio and Hakaniemi for the summer. The Helsinginkatu and Töölö stretches will not be operated.
Line 8 between Arabia and Jätkäsaari will be replaced by bus line 8X during the summer. It will run the normal line 8 route, but mainly use bus stops.
Read more about public transport routes in the news article published by Helsinki Region Transport (HSL).
Impacts on traffic
The work will cause major changes to traffic arrangements in the intersection over the summer. Daily changes may be made to traffic arrangements and traffic may become congested. Diversions bring changes to using all modes of transport.
All properties, buildings and ground level premises will be accessible and vehicle access to courtyards will be ensured throughout the works. The Opera and Töölö Sports Hall will also be accessible via the intersection.
Motor vehicles: Cars can be driven in all four directions from the intersection, but the road lanes will be narrowed down to one lane. The routes may be changed daily.
Pedestrians: Pedestrian access around the intersection will remain, but all pedestrian crossings will be removed from use. Replacement crossings will be located 50–100 metres away.
Cycling traffic: Bike lanes near the intersection will be in use, but bike crossings will be moved. It is recommended that cyclists divert to cycling routes in the Töölönlahti bay area.
Alternative routes around the work site
Motor vehicles can be driven across the Opera work site throughout the renovation. It is, however, recommended that drivers take alternative routes, if possible. See map of routes.
First stage of renovation to be completed by September
The first stage of the renovation between Postikatu and Runeberginkatu will be completed by September. So far, the first stage is on schedule.
The second stage of the renovation between Runeberginkatu and Reijolankatu will start in September. The renovation of Mannerheimintie will be completed by the end of 2025.
In the autumn, trams will return to Mannerheimintie between Runeberginkatu and Arkadiankatu, but will then be removed from between Runeberginkatu and Reijolankatu. The City and HSL will provide further information on the work starting in the autumn and any changes to public transport in May and June.
