Kruunusilta Bridge Expansion Joints Causing Cyclist Problems to Be Repaired
Translated from Finnish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The expansion joints on the Kruunusilta bridge in Helsinki, which caused problems for cyclists, will be repaired at the end of August.
- The bridge will be closed nightly from 9 PM to 6 AM on August 25-26 for the repair work.
- A serious cycling accident occurred on the bridge shortly after its opening in April, leading to the addition of warning signs and markings.
Helsinki is set to repair the expansion joints on the Kruunusilta bridge that have caused issues for cyclists. The city announced that the work will take place on August 25-26, requiring the bridge to be closed to traffic between 9 PM and 6 AM on both nights.
These expansion joints are designed to accommodate the bridge's expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Following a serious cycling accident in April, where a cyclist was injured after falling at an expansion joint, the city added warning markings, reflectors, and signs to the bridge. The Kruunusillat alliance had previously stated it was investigating structural changes to reduce the height of the joint's threshold.
The city confirmed that these repairs are part of the bridge's final finishing works. In addition to the expansion joints, the bridge will undergo post-casting and load testing throughout the summer to ensure its long-term durability. These ongoing works will also lead to temporary closures on July 2-3, July 21-22, and August 8.
Originally published by Helsingin Sanomat in Finnish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.