A major two-year street renovation project launches today on Mäkelänkatu in Helsinki. The work will replace aging pipes, upgrade cables and tram tracks, and plant new linden trees to replace those being removed.
Project manager Antti-Juhani Lehtinen said work will begin gradually. Construction signs will go up first, with lane closures starting next week. Nearly half of the street's 250 linden trees will be cut down during the project.
Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction for the entire duration. Bus routes 61(N), 64, 65, 66(K), 67(N), 600, 611, 614(K), 617, 623, 633 and 643(K) will see schedule changes starting November 10th.
Public transport officials recommend travelers switch to trains at Käpylä station for city center trips. Tram service will face a 13-week disruption next summer.
The 1.3-kilometer construction zone stretches from Mäkelänrinte swimming pool to Hämeentie. Work will also affect Sturenkatu up to Paavali church and intersections at Hämeentie-Lautatarhankatu and Hämeentie-Ristikkokatu.
Many trees being removed are in poor condition due to road salt damage. Each tree was individually assessed using decay drills and ultrasound devices. New trees will be planted in phases as sections of the project complete.
This extensive infrastructure renewal was inevitable given the century-old utilities beneath this key Helsinki corridor. The timing creates perfect conditions for public frustration with both traffic chaos and tree removal happening simultaneously.