Helsinki city council votes to make central Kaivokatu street car-free

Helsinki’s city council has decided almost unanimously to transform Kaivokatu, the street in front of the central railway station, into a car-free zone, public broadcaster Yle reports. The move is part of a broader redesign of the city centre’s traffic system, according to Mayor Daniel Sazonov.

From now on, only pedestrians, cyclists, and trams will be allowed on the street. The decision, approved by 80 of 85 council members, marks a shift in how traffic flows through Helsinki’s core, with cross-town routes now redirected to nearby streets such as Esplanadi.

Sazonov described the change as a key element in improving walkability around the railway station while ensuring access for essential vehicles. “At the same time, we’re securing drop-off traffic, taxis, and service vehicles very close by,” he told Yle. The mayor also highlighted plans to expand the use of underground tunnels for deliveries and parking, reducing surface congestion.

The project includes rerouting port traffic toward the western harbour and its tunnel connections to the ring road. Sazonov acknowledged that while he had previously proposed alternative plans, the near-consensus in the council was crucial for long-term stability. “Traffic planning in the city centre can’t be decided by a single vote. Predictability matters—developers and businesses need to know how traffic will function here in the future, without decisions shifting every few years,” he said.

The freed-up space will be repurposed for pedestrians and cyclists, with terraces, trees, and shrubs added to the area. Full implementation is expected by the early 2030s, aligning with scheduled renovations to the railway station. Sazonov emphasised that all transport modes—walking, cycling, driving, and public transit—will still provide access to the centre.

Around 200,000 people pass through the railway station area daily.