A mammoth pedestrian bridge has opened to connect two islands without any car traffic in sight. Stretching 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) long, this structure is acclaimed as the world’s lengthiest footbridge.
Situated near Helsinki, Finland, the bridge links the islands of Laajasalo and Korkeasaari, standing as the country’s tallest and longest bridge. Designed by Knight Architects, it is exclusively dedicated to trams, pedestrians, and cyclists, making it the world’s lengthiest bridge of its kind.
The €150 million (£126 million) Kruunuvuori bridge is part of a larger £505 million project aimed at extending the tram network by approximately six miles from the city center to Laajasalo, where a significant housing development is underway.
Architect Tom Osborne highlighted that walking across the bridge would take an average person about 15 minutes. With varying widths from 49 feet to 62 feet and a maximum clearance of 65 feet, the bridge’s central diamond shape adds a new iconic feature to Helsinki’s skyline.
Notably, the bridge is designed to last around 200 years, surpassing the typical 120-year lifespan of similar structures. Osborne emphasized the importance of long-term investments, both financially and environmentally.
The engineering of the bridge also considered Finland’s harsh winters. The stay cables are designed to remain slightly in motion when the wind blows to prevent ice buildup, ensuring safety during extreme weather conditions.
Osborne expressed his vision for the bridge to symbolize a shift towards sustainable living over the next two centuries, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects.