The general goal of the construction of Munkkiniemenbaana is to increase the volume of bicycle traffic on journeys between the centre of Helsinki and Munkkiniemi and Leppävaara. Currently, cycling traffic arrangements are not complete and they are undersized for current traffic volumes.
A general plan for Munkkiniemenbaana is currently being prepared for the section between Mechelininkatu and Tarvo. The alignment of the Baana route and preliminary design solutions are defined and the implementation costs and effects of the plan assessed in the plan. The total length of Munkkiniemenbaana is about 6.5 km, of which sections covering 1.3 km have already been implemented and 0.7 km has been planned. A section of approximately 900 metres was completed in Munkinpuisto in 2017 and a section of approximately 400 metres in Paciuksenkatu in 2018.
Helsinki has plans to build a city-wide Baana network. Baana routes are high-quality main routes for bicycle traffic, which enable direct and smooth bicycle traffic. Baana routes connect the largest residential areas with the city centre and other workplace clusters.
The general plan is due to be completed in early summer 2024. After general planning, the plans will proceed to more detailed street and park planning.
Residents were asked about alignment options in autumn 2023
Several alignment options were studied for the present draft general plan at Merikannontie, Humallahti and Munkkiniemen puistotie in autumn 2023 and winter 2024. City residents’ views about the alignment options were investigated with an electronic survey open to everyone and with design cycling in October 2023. Nearly a thousand responses were received. People participating in the design cycling learned more about the design area by riding through the Munkkiniemenbaana route.
Plan solutions selected for the draft general plan
The planning organisation decided to promote the Munkkiniemenbaana plan based on feedback from residents, stakeholder discussions and more detailed planning solutions as follows:
Part 1: Hietaniemenkatu–Merikannontie
Bicycle streets will be planned for Hietaniemenkatu, Hietakannaksentie and Merikannontie, where bicycle traffic shares the roadway with cars. A two-way bicycle path facing the waterfront has been planned for the section between Rajasaarentie and Paciuksenkatu.
According to the city’s traffic survey, a significant volume of pass-through car traffic not belonging to local streets passes through the streets. Street traffic volumes will be reduced by introducing one-way street sections, which will also make it possible to build bicycle streets. Bicycle street solutions will improve pedestrian conditions and traffic safety.
Part 2: Humallahti–Oksakoskenpolku and Mississipinraitti
A bicycle route through the waterfront has been planned for Humallahti. Feedback received through previous interaction, where the waterfront route was seen as pleasant and easy, has been taken into account in the design. However, the majority of the respondents wanted that the impact on nature be minimised. Therefore, a bridge that lies more clearly away from the waterfront rocks than the route of the previous plan is proposed for Humallahti in the draft general plan. This will keep the rock area largely in a natural state.
The underpass of Seurasaarentie has been abandoned in the plans and Seurasaarentie is crossed at Oksakoskenpolku. A bicycle street and a pavement are planned for the present road connection for Oksakoskenpolku. The bicycle path further west near Mississipinraitti will be transformed into a two-way bicycle path and the current two-way bicycle path will be improved by separating different modes of transport.
Part 3: Paciuksenkatu–Munkinpuisto
A two-way bicycle path is planned for the section and pedestrian traffic will be moved to the pavement. Pikku-Huopalahti will be crossed by a new separate pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The current two-way bicycle path will be improved on Munkkiniemen puistotie and the traffic arrangements between Laajalahdenaukio and Munkinpuisto improved by separating pedestrian and bicycle traffic better. With the solution, most of the parking spaces along the street can be maintained. In the future, pedestrian and bicycle traffic through transverse connections of Munkkiniemen puistotie will only be allowed at Solnantie and Kadetintie. This will improve traffic safety at intersections as well as the fluency and reliability of tram traffic.
Part 4: Ritokalliontie
A bicycle street will be planned for Ritokalliontie and the safety of the intersections will be improved. In the future, only bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be allowed at Ritokallionpolku. Access to the parking area will be from the Ritokalliontie side. Continuing the Baana route to Läntinen Tarvonsilta will be planned later together with the City of Espoo.
More information
Teppo Pasanen
traffic engineer
Urban environment division
traffic and street planning
09 310 37123
