Helsinki plans new Mariantunnel to enhance cycling connections and pedestrian safety

The city of Helsinki is planning a new tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians on the western edge of the city center. The 200-meter long Mariantunnel will run beneath Mechelininkatu and the old Marian hospital area, connecting at its eastern end to the original cycling path. The western entrance of the tunnel will be located along Lapinlahdentie, adjacent to the Hietaniemi cemetery.

The proposed design includes a four-meter-wide two-way bike lane and a three-meter-wide sidewalk. This new segment is expected to enhance cycling connections from central Helsinki to Lauttasaari, and further towards Espoo.

Pihla Kuokkanen, the head of the city’s Urban Environment division, explained that the new tunnel would facilitate smoother travel from the Lapinlahti area into the city center by allowing cyclists and pedestrians to avoid crossing the busy Mechelininkatu and waiting at traffic lights. The tunnel is also designed to accommodate ambulance access.

Following the preliminary planning phase, necessary street and construction plans will be developed in the coming years, with construction anticipated to begin in the late 2020s. The current cost estimate for the tunnel and associated traffic arrangements on Lapinlahdentie is approximately €19 million, a significant increase compared to the earlier estimate of €9.5 to €13.5 million during zoning discussions in 2020 regarding the former hospital area.

The city of Helsinki is set to release more information about this plan next week.