The renovation involved overhauling the water pipes under Aleksis Kiven katu and the surrounding streets. Overhauling the water pipes was necessary, as the oldest pipes in the area were almost a hundred years old. At the same time, access routes were improved, tram tracks were overhauled and changes were made to the public transport stops.
Many things fell into place
The project started in September 2024 and will be completed ahead of schedule by the end of 2025. The original estimated completion time was autumn 2026. The work progressed ahead of schedule thanks to a number of favourable factors.
“We were able to renovate the lanes of Aleksis Kiven katu in one go, even though the original plan was to do it in phases. Since the street could be cut off from vehicular traffic, the contractor was able to carry out water supply work on both the southern and northern lanes at the same time. This was the most significant factor in the project being completed well ahead of schedule, as renovating water supply infrastructure is slow work,” says Project Director Heikki Kosonen from the Urban Environment Division.
Furthermore, the mild winter allowed for the work to be carried out without being slowed down by the weather conditions.
“All in all, the quick completion of the work is the result of many factors. The contractor’s work effort in the worksite was a major factor. They used a lot of resources in their work and worked long days and even weekends,” says Kosonen appreciatively.
During the rest of the year, the project will involve finishing and greenery work, such as lighting installations, masonry and lawn sowing.
Improvements to pedestrian and cycle traffic
The improvements made to the public transport and pedestrian and cycling routes in the project will change the way that people move around the area. The biggest changes will affect pedestrians and cyclists, as the cycle path in the middle of the Aleksis Kiven katu tree avenue has been turned into a pavement. Cycle traffic has been moved to cycling lanes in both directions along the edges of the driving lanes.
“The changes will improve pedestrian and cycling safety and improve the flow of traffic. Pedestrian safety has also improved thanks to the widening of the previously narrow crossings,” says Kosonen.
To improve the flow of public transport, a dedicated bus lane was built on Aleksis Kiven katu from Fleminginkatu towards Sturenkatu. The worn tram rails at the Fleminginkatu crossing were replaced and their angle was made more gentle, reducing local wear and extending the service life of the rails. The tram passage around a steep curve has previously caused noise disturbances, which should be reduced by this change.
Changes were also made to the public transport stops. The bus stop on Aleksis Kiven katu was moved from the front of S-Market Vallila to Aleksis Kiven katu 7. The new joint stop for tram and bus traffic is located on the eastern edge of Fleminginkatu, opposite the old stop. The changes to the steps were motivated by a need to improve congested stop areas.
The trees along the historic lime tree avenue on Aleksis Kiven katu between Fleminginkatu and Harjukatu were replaced, and there are now more of them than before.
