Finland’s longest and highest bridge, Helsinki's new Kruunuvuori Bridge, officially opened to the public on Saturday.
Many people arrived for the opening ceremony, including the city's mayor, Daniel Sazonov (NCP), who cut the ribbon at one end of the 1,191-metre structure. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari (SDP) opened the other end of the bridge.
The long bridge links Kruunuvuorenranta in the eastern suburb of Laajasalo with central Helsinki.
Pedestrians were allowed on the bridge at 2pm, while cyclists needed to wait a few hours to access it. Tram services across the bridge are expected to begin in early 2027. Other vehicles will not be permitted on the bridge.
"This will permanently change the geography of Helsinki by bringing Laajasalo closer to the city center," Sazonov told Yle.
However, there was widespread debate over whether the bridge should also be open to passenger vehicle traffic. Sazonov noted that large city projects often raise a good deal of heated debate, adding that he thinks residents will come to embrace the bridge.
"Tram connections will become a central part of everyday life, especially for the residents of Laajasalo and Kruunuvuori," the mayor said.
Cyclists were scheduled to be welcomed on the bridge at 5pm marked with a bicycle parade organised by the Helsinki Region Cyclists association.
The grand opening also included a food truck, tent sauna, a samba music group, as well as a brass band.
