Keilaniemi, known for its corporate offices and the headquarters of large companies, is developing into a lively seaside residential and office area with hotels. At the same time, Otaniemi is undergoing renewal and population growth.
“Raide-Jokeri expands the growth spurred by Espoo’s metro. The urban structure of Espoo, consisting of five urban centers, is heavily dependent on rail traffic, and the new light tram line significantly strengthens this network. This light tram acts as a connection between cities, connecting workplaces, educational institutions, residential areas, trains and the metro,” states Olli Isotalodeputy mayor responsible for the urban environment.
Espoo, especially Otaniemi and Keilaniemi, plays a key role as a driver of Finland’s economic growth. Almost 50 percent of the trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange comes from companies in Espoo.
“Otaniemi and Keilaniemi are world-renowned innovation clusters, and the innovations born here support sustainable growth throughout Finland and contribute to the country’s future well-being. The light rail will increase the accessibility and competitiveness of Keilaniemi’s companies, as well as scientific development. The community at Aalto University and Otaniemi,” says the mayor Jukka Mäkelä.
The high-speed rail line is supposed to attract new companies and investments to Espoo. There are numerous construction projects underway in Keilaniemi, such as office and residential towers and a hotel. Housing construction brings new services and revitalizes the entire area.
| In Leppävaara’s Alberganesplanadi, light rail was built in the middle of the existing urban environment. This photo was taken in June 2022. Photo: Jokeri Light Rail (Raide-Jokeri) |
In Otaniemi and Keilaniemi, the express tram line is seamlessly integrated with the metro. In Leppävaara, it is connected to the City Rail Link and its future extensions and the long-distance rail network.
The large commercial center Leppävaara is expected to grow even more with Raide-Joker. After the decision to build an expressway made in June 2016, construction has grown significantly in Leppävaara.
Vermonniity and Perkkaa have seen record-breaking construction, mainly driven by the light rail, especially in the new residential area of Vermonniity.
The light rail has also contributed to the development of Hatsinanpuisto in Perkkaa, near Leppävaara. The park mainly consists of office buildings, but there are also plans for a hotel, business premises, services and housing. In addition, the light track will play a decisive role in the future of the Vermo racetrack, making it possible to host large events.
In addition, the express tram line is intended to change the cityscape, bring trams to Espoo as a means of transportation and further urbanize.
The construction of Raide-Joker has progressed smoothly at the 12 stops in Espoo, even being completed ahead of schedule. The alliance model based on agreements between different stakeholders and close cooperation has proven to be successful in this complex and demanding light rail project. Harry Denmarkdirector of public works.
The goal of Helsinki Region Transport (HRT) is to decide on the start date of light rail traffic during September. Passenger traffic on the new route section is expected to start in autumn 2023 at the latest, and full operation is expected next year.
HT
Source: The Nordic Page