Helsinki drops cycling bridge over security concerns near prime minister’s home

Helsinki has abandoned plans for a cycling and walking bridge near the prime minister’s official residence, citing security concerns raised by the Prime Minister’s Office, Yle reported.

The planned Humallahti Bridge in Meilahti would have formed part of the Munkkiniemi cycling route and crossed near Kesäranta, the prime minister’s official residence. The city said it could not find a solution to the security concerns in discussions with the Prime Minister’s Office.

The office declined to tell Yle on Tuesday what the concerns involved. Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari said the city and the office had discussed matters related to the residence.

Helsinki has actively planned the bridge since 2017. It was intended to spare cyclists the climb up Seurasaarentie hill, passing a high rocky outcrop on the bay side.

The city will now plan the route along Paciuksenkatu instead. It intends to replace one traffic lane heading towards the city centre with a two-way cycle path, and widen the existing cycle path to make enough room for pedestrians and cyclists.

The revised route is also intended to make the climb at Seurasaarentie less steep. The change is expected to require the removal of about 120 trees. Laisaari said the city should minimise the number cut.