Construction Completes on Record-Breaking Bridge the Length of 100 Buses
Finland has officially opened the world's longest bridge dedicated to trams, pedestrians, and cyclists-the Kruunuvuori Bridge in Helsinki, the Finnish capital.
Known locally as Kruunuvuorensilta, the 1,200-meter (around 3,937 feet) long structure was unveiled last week after 13 years of “designing, refining, and anticipating,” Tom Osborne, director of Knight Architects, the architect behind the bridge, told Newsweek.
A spokesperson for Knight Architects told Newsweek that Kruunuvuorensilta is the "world’s longest bridge dedicated exclusively to trams, pedestrians and cyclists." The bridge is nearly as long as the length of 100 school buses in the United States, which can be around 35 to 45 feet long.
The bridge connects Helsinki's city center with the island of Laajasalo, creating a new, direct route across the water and forming the centerpiece of the Kruunusillat (Crown Bridges) program, a major national infrastructure initiative.
The latest project reflects a broader shift in how cities are rethinking major infrastructure-not as car-dominated corridors, but as public spaces designed around low‑carbon mobility and everyday human movement. The bridge is not just a transport link but shows how cities can grow while reducing emissions and dependence on private cars-without sacrificing scale or ambition.
Approximately $139 trillion is required in infrastructure globally to reach net zero by 2050, according to a 2024 report by EY, formerly Ernst & Young, one of the Big Four professional services firms. With around 75 percent of the world's infrastructure in 2050 yet to be built, "the global infrastructure sector holds significant potential for significant growth," the report said.
A New Landmark on Helsinki's Skyline
Designed by the London‑based Knight Architects, following an international design competition won in 2013 alongside WSP Finland, the bridge has become a defining feature of Helsinki's skyline.
Osborne told Newsweek that the structure's visual prominence matches its urban significance. "As the longest and tallest bridge in Finland, its central diamond is a major new addition to Helsinki's skyline," the architect said. "The bridge is a vital link to a new community and a catalyst for sustainable growth."
At the heart of the bridge stands a 135‑meter‑high (443-foot) diamond‑shaped concrete pylon, the tallest bridge structure in the country. Knight Architects described it as a "bold, contemporary landmark visible across the city and from the air," giving the bridge a distinctive identity among Helsinki's waterfront structures.
Designed Exclusively for Sustainable Transport
Unlike most large bridges, private cars are not permitted on the Kruunuvuori Bridge. From the outset, the bridge was conceived solely for trams, pedestrians, and cyclists-a decision that the architects say fundamentally shaped the project.
"Unusually for a structure of this scale, Kruunuvuori Bridge prioritizes sustainable movement having been conceived exclusively for trams, pedestrians and cyclists," the firm said. "This fundamental decision redefines the role of the bridge from a piece of transport infrastructure to a civic space in its own right."
Osborne said the design intentionally encourages residents to choose alternatives to driving. "By making active travel easier, quicker, and cheaper than using a car, it actively promotes a modal shift," he told Newsweek.
Built With Cables That Stay in ‘Constant Slight Motion'
Helsinki's coastal environment presents extreme weather challenges, from bright summer conditions to icy, wind‑driven winters. The bridge incorporates several engineering solutions designed to cope with those conditions year‑round.
According to Knight Architects, the bridge's stay cables are “designed to remain in constant slight motion” during windy conditions-a feature that helps prevent ice buildup. The cables are encased in textured plastic sheaths that cause ice to break into fine particles rather than accumulating. The bridge will also feature a wind warning system, with alerts displayed on light boards at both ends during strong winds.
Made to Last for Generations
Kruunuvuori Bridge was engineered with a design life of up to 200 years, reflecting Helsinki's long‑term approach to urban development and infrastructure investment.
"Kruunuvuorensilta is designed to serve the city for generations," the architectural firm said, noting that the project included a comprehensive environmental impact assessment covering waterways, fish populations, boating activity, noise, and vibration.
The total carbon footprint of the project is estimated at approximately 129,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, with 76 percent attributed to construction and 24 percent to operation and maintenance over a 50‑year period. Emissions were reduced through the use of low‑emission materials and renewable energy sources.
Looking ahead, Osborne hopes the bridge's impact extends far beyond its physical form. "Over the next 200 years, I hope this diamond becomes not only a symbol of its place, but a symbol of a shift towards more sustainable ways of living," he said.
Other Major Bridges Under Construction Around the World
Several other record-setting bridges have been recently built or are currently under construction across the globe.
Among these is the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will form a critical new corridor between the United States and Canada. Linking Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to become the longest cable‑stayed bridge in North America and 10th longest in the world. The bridge is reportedly expected to open this spring.
Across the pond in Europe, Italy's long‑discussed Strait of Messina Bridge has been formally approved, reviving plans for what would be the world's longest suspension bridge, designed to connect Sicily to the mainland in a single leap of more than 3,300 meters.
Over in China, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge opened to traffic in September 2025. The bridge was reportedly certified by Guinness World Records (GWR) as the world’s highest bridge, soaring around 2,053 feet above the Beipan River in the Guizhou province of southwest China, according to China Daily.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 8:14 AM.