The City of Helsinki is improving flood protection in Töölönlahti with new flood gates and pumping stations. These will be built on the Tokoinranta side on the neck of land between Töölönlahti and Eläintarhanlahti.
As part of the construction, the retaining walls and shoreline structures on Tokoinranta will be reinforced and the cycling routes in the Linnunlaulu area will be improved by replacing cycling route structures. During construction, the site will be cleared of rugosa roses and false spiraea, which are invasive species. Less than a dozen trees will have to be removed from the site and replaced with new trees at the end of the project.
Temporary pontoon bridge for the duration of the works
As part of the construction, the old 1960s pedestrian and cycling bridge on the Tokoinranta side will be demolished and replaced by a new bridge.
A temporary pontoon bridge will be built for the duration of the works to preserve access north and to Tokoinranta from the northern part of Kaisaniemenpuisto. There will be some changes to the route as construction progresses, but the connecting route will be maintained throughout. The temporary bridge will be illuminated and accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
Though the nearby Tokoinranta dog park will be in use during construction, it will have to be reduced in size during the project.
Flood gates and pumping stations prevent flooding in Töölönlahti Bay
The old bridge will be demolished because it lacks flood gates. Flood gates and pumping stations will be built on the new bridge.
Flood gates and pumping stations are used to prevent the coastal areas of Töölönlahti Bay from flooding during sea floods and simultaneous heavy rainfall.
When the work is completed, a winter bird feeder will be installed on the new bridge. The area has a long history of winter bird feeding.
Work will start in early September with traffic management, the construction of the temporary bridge, felling of trees and pruning of the remaining trees by an arborist. The excavation associated with the construction will cause noise in the surrounding areas. The project will be completed in autumn 2027.
The contractor is Rajukivi Oy.
