Light rail and park renovations – how renovations will impact Helsinki this summer

In 2026, Helsinki will repair and renew its streets and infrastructure extensively. 

“The nation’s capital is growing quickly, and there are also many pipes and other infrastructure under the streets that need to be renovated. This year, a total of around 200 street and park projects will be ongoing in the City of Helsinki, the majority of which are small-scale renovations,” says the City of Helsinki’s Unit Manager Liisa Taskila. 

West-Helsinki Light Rail to renew western Helsinki 

The construction of the West-Helsinki Light Rail will impact large parts of western Helsinki from Kannelmäki to the city centre.

“Helsinki aims to direct new construction to areas with good public transport connections. The new light rail and the new sections of railway in the city centre will enable a versatile public transport network connecting the whole of western Helsinki," says Project Director Anton Silvo.

The implementation of the West-Helsinki Light Rail is the responsibility of the Infraohjelma Helsinki alliance, which is commissioned by the City of Helsinki, Kaupunkiliikenne Oy and the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority, with six infrastructure companies as service providers. Previous alliance projects include the Jokeri Light Rail, the Kalasatama–Pasila tram line and the Crown Bridges. 

The aim is that the new light rail line 14 will start operating between the city centre and Kannelmäki in 2031. For more information on the construction of the West-Helsinki Light Rail, please visit the project website.

Improving parks and squares around Töölönlahti 

The Karamzininranta street next to Finlandia Hall will be renovated into a pleasant space by planting new trees, installing benches and building a new water feature. The renovation of the prestigious Hesperia Park on the eastern edge of Töölönlahti bay will start in late summer.

New themed playgrounds in Meri-Rastila and Vartiokylä 

New themed playgrounds will be built in Haruspuisto Park in Meri-Rastila and Rusettipuisto Park in Vartiokylä. The theme of the playground in Haruspuisto Park will be marine and underwater nature, whereas the theme of the playground in Rusettipuisto Park will be the natural water cycle. Construction of the playgrounds will start in the autumn. 

Crown Bridges Light Rail in the home stretch

The City’s large ongoing infrastructure projects are proceeding at a good pace. Construction of the Crown Bridges Light Rail is expected to be completed in the summer. The rail service from Laajasalo to the city centre will start at the latest in early 2027. Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) will decide on the start of the service. 

Work on the renovation of Mäkelänkatu, which started in late 2025, is well underway. The major project will continue until 2027. The renovation of the Jätkäsaari isthmus bridge will be completed towards the end of 2026. 

The renovation of Kaisaniemi Park is progressing and the new dog enclosure will be completed during the summer. The aim is to have the main parts of the park ready and available for residents by 2026. 

The renovation of Tove Jansson Park will be completed in the summer.