Central metro station faces 6-month closure as Helsinki approves West Harbour light-rail link

The Helsinki city council has approved a new light-rail line connecting Hakaniemi with West Harbour, set to commence operations in 2029. The West Harbour line will extend the existing Yliskylä–Hakaniemi route, designated as route 12, with trams up to 45 metres long running every five minutes. The project, costing 48 million euros, involves upgrading existing tram infrastructure, including extending stops to accommodate longer vehicles.

The line will create a fast connection from Jätkäsaari through central Helsinki to Laajasalo, enhancing access to the city centre and public transport for several suburban neighborhoods. However, the council has decided not to approve plans for a new entrance to the University of Helsinki metro station at Liisankatu in Kaisaniemi Park, as it aims to improve access for passengers traveling to and from Kruununhaka.

From October 2027, Helsinki's Central Railway Station will undergo a six-month 125-million-euro refurbishment, closing to replace its original Soviet-built escalators installed in 1982 when the metro opened. During this period, metro trains will pass through the station without stopping, overlapping with a planned Kalasatama service interruption, causing significant disruption across the network. To address this, replacement bus services will be provided.