Proposals for a light rail link between Helsinki and Espoo have been unanimously approved by the Helsinki City Board.
The dual-track light rail system will connect Itäkeskus to Keilaniemi in Espoo, via Oulunkylä, Huopalahti and Leppävaara, replacing the existing bus route.
Construction of the track infrastructure for the 25-kilometre line is expected to cost €275 million, of which €84 million will be provided by the Finnish Government, €124 million by Helsinki and €66.6 million by Espoo.
Most of the route will run on segregated tracks and trams will operate at an average speed of 25 km/h – substantially faster than the 15 km/h achieved by Helsinki’s current tram system.
A decision will be made on the plans by Helsinki’s City Council on June 15. Construction is expected to begin next year, ready for the start of service in 2021.
