The Briefing
- Cars banned in front of Central Station
- Area becomes a green pedestrian and tram zone
- Construction happens in two phases starting 2028
The City of Helsinki is planning to redesign the layout and appearance of the city center, according to an official statement.
Among others, the city is preparing to permanently remove private cars from the front of the Central Railway Station.
A new zoning plan, set to be reviewed by the Urban Environment Committee next Tuesday, March 17, aims to turn Kaivokatu into a pedestrian-first transit street.
Officials envision the area as an attractive, green “main entrance” to the Finnish capital.
Under the new plans, the space between Mikonkatu and the Sokos department store will be entirely handed over to pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport.
The traditional sidewalks along Kaivokatu will disappear. They will be replaced by a wide, open square filled with seating areas, trees, bushes, and restaurant terraces.
Public transport capacity will also increase significantly in the area. The street will host stops for the new West Harbour light rail line.
This redesign is part of Helsinki’s broader strategy to reduce private car dependency in the city center.
The number of tram tracks will double from two to four at the station. To make room for this urban oasis, private vehicle parking will be completely removed. Car drop-off zones will be relocated to the edges of the station square and the western end of Kaivokatu.
Commuter bicycle parking will be moved to the underground Kaisantunneli bike park. Meanwhile, bus traffic from the Railway Square terminal will be routed through Vilhonkatu in both directions.
This redesign is part of Helsinki’s broader strategy to reduce private car dependency in the city center. It aligns directly with Finland’s national climate goal to halve traffic emissions by 2030.
Like many European capitals, Helsinki is pushing to create a more walkable downtown to boost urban vitality and improve air quality. This transition continues despite some ongoing concerns from local retail owners regarding vehicle access.
The Kaivokatu transformation is closely tied to the massive renovation of the Esplanadi streets planned for the early 2030s. The city recently tested reducing car lanes on Esplanadi, laying the groundwork for this permanent traffic shift.
Construction on Kaivokatu will happen in two distinct stages, and the first phase is expected to begin in 2028.
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