Helsinki’s long-debated central tunnel already exists as a maintenance route

A fully functional tunnel running beneath Helsinki’s city center has been in use for years—though officially classified as a maintenance corridor, according to an analysis by Yle.

The 1.6-kilometer underground passage, currently restricted to service vehicles, has become a de facto shortcut for drivers who discover it by chance. City officials now aim to formalize its use as part of a broader traffic strategy, though political divisions persist over whether to allow through-traffic.

The tunnel’s development was included in Helsinki’s four-year strategic plan, framing it as a complement to the car-free zone around the central railway station. Some politicians, like Movement Now’s Harry Harkimo, have openly supported the project, admitting they backed the pedestrian zone tactically to advance tunnel plans.

While all parties agree on upgrading the tunnel, disagreements remain over access rules. The city proposes a “two-way model” permitting east-west transit to parking facilities—a solution critics argue amounts to banned through-traffic under another name. Meanwhile, residents have already begun using the tunnel informally, navigating routes while officials debate restrictions.

Internationally, major cities routinely integrate tunnels with automated toll systems, balancing infrastructure needs with pedestrian and cycling priorities. Helsinki’s challenge, the analysis suggests, lies in reconciling its urban ambitions with the reality of diverse mobility demands—whether accommodating a café meeting at Kaivokatu or a weekend driver passing beneath the same square.