Helsinki's major Mäkelänkatu street renovation project launched with overnight tree removal operations, as workers cut down 24 linden trees along the tram corridor. Despite initial concerns about traffic disruptions, Tuesday morning rush hour proceeded normally with commuters experiencing minimal delays.
Project manager Antti-Juhani Lehtinen expressed satisfaction with the smooth traffic flow during the first morning of construction. He observed vehicles, buses, and trams moving through the Kumpulantie intersection at their usual pace. One southbound lane was temporarily closed with light traffic cones, but these were scheduled for removal during daytime hours.
The tree removal operation focused on safety and minimal disruption. Workers operated during nighttime hours to avoid interfering with tram services and reduce risks to pedestrians. Electrical power to the 700-volt tram lines was cut during work hours for safety reasons. Tree stumps were intentionally left standing at about one meter height to prevent people from tripping over them.
This approach reflects lessons learned from Helsinki's previous Mannerheimintie renovation project, where Lehtinen also served as project manager. That project sparked heated debates about removing valuable trees from Hesperianpuisto and Hakasalmenpuisto parks. The current project has involved more collaboration with environmental organizations through walking tours and consultations.
Of the 250 marked trees along the one-kilometer stretch, approximately 100 will ultimately be removed. The selection process considered both construction needs and urban forestry values. Some tree sections will be cut into sample boards for researchers studying the success of urban trees in Helsinki's challenging environment.
The three-year comprehensive renovation will replace aging water, sewer, district heating, and telecommunications infrastructure. Traffic lights, street lighting, tram technology, and some rail tracks will also be updated. From the Kumpulantie intersection southward, the project will create one-way bicycle paths on both sides of Mäkelänkatu.
Lehtinen explained the urgency of the infrastructure upgrades in characteristically direct terms. He noted that during heavy rainfall, pavement sections can lift up due to underlying infrastructure problems. The project aims to address these fundamental issues while improving mobility for all transportation modes.
The absence of tree protection protesters on Tuesday morning was notable, given that images of Mäkelänkatu's beautiful tree-lined avenue have circulated widely online. The project team's outreach efforts and modified approach appear to have generated less controversy than previous urban tree removal projects in Helsinki.
The Mäkelänkatu renovation represents Helsinki's ongoing challenge of balancing urban development with environmental preservation. As one of the city's major thoroughfares, the street serves multiple transportation functions while maintaining its character as a green urban corridor. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2027.