Despite extension of Helsinki Metro, Espoo traffic is likely to increase by 20 per cent by 2015

Plans for esxpansion of bus-lane use and new routes for cycle and pedestrian traffic

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Despite the planned extension of the Helsinki Metro westwards into Espoo, the traffic on the Länsiväylä urban motorway between Matikylä and Ruoholahti is predicted to increase by up to 20 per cent by 2015.
      The predicted growth is a consequence of the increase in the number of inhabitants and jobs in Espoo and Kirkkonummi, further to the west.
      Previously it was estimated that the number of motor vehicles would no longer grow, as part of the motorists would start using the Metro instead of their private cars.
     
The fact is that the present Länsiväylä motorway - which has already seen extensive improvements and widening programmes - will not be able to tolerate such a growth in traffic.
      Currently, the busiest stretch from Haukilahti to Lauttasasari already sees 70,000 vehicles per day, reports Tapio Puurunen from Sito, the leading Finnish consulting firm specialized in design for infrastructure, traffic, and environmental sectors.
      The Finnish Road Administration (Finnra), using Sito as consultants, is currently examining the alternatives for organising the future traffic on Länsiväylä. Finnra is cooperating with the cities of Espoo and Helsinki as well as the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV).
     
At present Sito is considering whether or not heavy traffic and so-called eco-vehicles should also be encouraged to use the public transport lanes.
      The criterion for identifying an eco-vehicle would be based on the greenhouse gas emissions of cars.
      The consultants are also contemplating whether or not car pools could be allowed to use the bus lanes, provided that each vehicle carries two passengers in addition to the driver.
     
As regards the smoothness of traffic flow on Länsiväylä, it is essential to increase the attraction of the Metro. One way would be to organise sufficiently smooth feeder traffic and a viable park-and-ride system.
      It has also been proposed that an automatic real-time traffic information and guidance system should be set up on the motorway, in order that motorists would know which car park has vacant parking places.
     
Sito suggests further that in order to decrease congestion on Länsiväylä a new light traffic route should be built from Ruoholahti to Kivenlahti.
      In Helsinki the route would run beneath the Salmisaari bridge, while in Espoo the road would run along the southern side of Länsiväylä.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Espoo extension of Helsinki Metro could still hinge on state subsidy (18.2.2008)
  Solitary Espoo drivers keep Länsiväylä motorway congested (27.8.2007)

Links:
  Finnish Road Administration (Finnra)
  Sito
  Helsinki Metropolitan Area Council (YTV)

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