Construction progresses on Crown Bridge project in Helsinki, Finland

On a peaceful Tuesday morning, a construction lift ascends to a height of 100 meters in Helsinki, heading towards the central pylon of the under-construction Crown Bridge. Some workers spend their entire day at these heights and show little apprehension during the brief lift ride. In contrast, the journalist’s legs tremble slightly as they navigate from the lift to a staging area over a gap that leads directly to the ground. The breathtaking views of the sea and the city center, however, quickly overshadow any feelings of dizziness.

The pylon serves as a central support structure for a cable-stayed or suspension bridge, with plans for it to be completed by 2025, reaching a final height of 135 meters, currently standing at 116 meters. Adjacent supports are located about 250 meters away, and the long bridge deck will be secured with cables attached to the pylon. The weight from the bridge will be transferred to the underlying rock.

Mikko Saresma, the onsite project manager, notes that the pylon is more substantial compared to other interim supports, capable of bearing the span of the bridge deck over 500 meters. While the pylon sways slightly in the wind, construction can be affected, with high winds halting work altogether.

Environmental considerations also play a significant role in the construction timeline. For instance, dredging is only allowed during the winter months, and work cannot be carried out near seabird nesting areas from April to June. The goal for the bridge is a lifespan of 200 years, far exceeding the typical 50-100 years expected for bridges. Once complete, the Crown Bridge will be the tallest and longest in Finland, with traffic anticipated to commence in 2027.