Feedback on the plans has been collected several times. Based on the feedback, the plans have been changed in Munkkiniemi, for example, where the restriction of motor vehicle traffic crossing the Munkkiniemen puistotie park road will not be decided yet, at least at this planning stage.
Lighter solution for Humallahti compared to the local plan solution
The section in Humallahti between Taka-Töölö and Meilahti also received a lot of feedback. On the one hand, the planned bridge solution faced opposition due to issues such as natural values. On the other hand, the unobstructed and smooth cycling and walking connection enabled by the solution was also praised.
In the plan that will now be submitted for decision-making, the Baana connection will cross the Humallahti bay via a bridge to be built in front of the waterfront rocks. Compared to the earlier plan, the bridge will be more delicate, and the rocks will remain untouched. The route has also been refined around Seurasaarentie, avoiding passage through a valuable grove area.
“The city’s strategy and climate goals require increasing the share of bicycle traffic. The hill on Paciuksenkatu is not insurmountable for those who already cycle. However, we want to increase cycling, so we need to attract new cyclists. That is why we aim to make the new connections as clear, smooth and safe as possible,” says Reetta Putkonen, Director of Traffic and Street Planning at the City of Helsinki.
Car traffic on the narrow Merikannontie to become one-way
Motor vehicle traffic on Merikannontie at Sibelius Park is planned to be converted to one-way in a south-to-north direction. This will calm traffic on the narrow street, which is primarily sized for local property access. Currently, about 60 per cent of the street’s traffic is pass-through traffic, which will be redirected to the main road network in the future. This solution will improve traffic safety in an area with heavy pedestrian traffic, such as to the beaches, parks and schools.
A section of Merikannontie is planned to be designated as a bike street, on which bicycles and cars share the same roadway, adjusting their speed to the pace of cycling traffic. At the same time, it may be possible to add more parking spaces to Merikannontie.
The general plan for Munkkiniemenbaana will be discussed by the Urban Environment Committee on Tuesday, 27 August. After the Urban Environment Committee, the matter will proceed to the City Board and City Council. More detailed street planning is scheduled to begin in 2025.
The current bicycle and pedestrian route from the city centre and Töölö towards Munkkiniemi is inadequate for its traffic volumes. The City of Helsinki plans to build a network of high-quality and efficient Baana bicycle routes across the city, and Munkkiniemenbaana is part of this network.
