A pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Baana cycle path was erected between Lastenkodinkatu and the former Maria Hospital area. A ramp was also built from the Maria side of the bridge down to the Baana path. The bridge will be opened once construction work on the Maria site has progressed sufficiently.
With new business coming to the Maria area at the turn of the decade, there was a need to rearrange the southern end of the Baana cycle path. The cycle path between Ruoholahdenkatu and Lapinlahdenkatu was moved to the other side of the railway shaft. The basketball court was moved closer to the end of Ruoholahdenkatu and the pétanque court was removed. More planting areas and trees were added to the area.
"The traffic arrangements on the Baana will make moving in the area easier and more straight-forward. They are also the first tangible projects that have been completed in the area to support the wider local development plans and the development of a new thriving campus complex," says City of Helsinki Project Director Tuomo Sipilä, who coordinates the development of the area.
New cycling arrangements on Mechelininkatu
The works also included the construction of one-way cycle lanes on Mechelininkatu, widening the pavement between Länsilinkki and Mechelininaukio and upgrading pedestrian crossings and cycle crossing arrangements in junctions. A new pedestrian lane and access to the Maria area were built on the edge of the parking area under the Ruoholahti bridge.
In addition to the roadworks, the project, which lasted for more than a year, included the renewal of local municipal infrastructure, such as water supply and telecommunications networks. The contractor was VM Suomalainen Oy, which will continue the construction of the pedestrian and cycling arrangements and municipal infrastructure in the area under a separate contract. These works will be completed by spring 2026.
"The project proceeded according to plan and in good cooperation with the City and other operators in the area. Working in a busy traffic environment and along the Baana required careful phasing and precise traffic management. We are pleased to be involved in developing the Maria area and improving pedestrian and cycling connections in the centre of Helsinki," says Site Supervisor Toni Liljeroos from VM Suomalainen.
Development of Maria area continues – Supercell planning office space in the area
A new large-scale development project is planned for the Maria growth business campus. The game company Supercell Oy is planning a new headquarters south of the former Maria Hospital, between Mechelininkatu and the Baana cycle path. The plan is to also introduce businesses serving residents, such as cafés, restaurants or exhibition spaces, to the plot.
