Vanha Lillhemtintie to be opened to vehicle traffic through amended detailed plan

The plan amendment was initiated on the basis of a decision made by the City Board in December 2022. The City Board urged the City Planning Department to quickly initiate an amendment to the detailed plan so that Vanha Lillhemtintie could be opened to vehicle traffic.

The plan amendment area is located on the southeastern side of the Lillhemt detached house area. Vanha Lillhemtintie runs from Lillhemt to Maakirjantie towards Suurpelto.

Vanha Lillhemtintie was the original vehicle access to the Lillhemt residential area. The access was cut off in accordance with the approved valid plan in autumn 2019 when Lillhemtintie, the feeder road to replace the access, was completed. After that, Vanha Lillhemtintie has at times been closed to through-traffic and at times open to either one-way or two-way vehicle traffic. In summer 2023, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the decision to open the road was unlawful, as it was contrary to the valid detailed plan. Since then, the road has been closed to vehicles.

The amendment to allow vehicle traffic divides residents’ opinions. The plan proposal was available for public review in February–March 2024 and 72 objections were submitted during that period. The objections in favour of the plan proposal came mainly from the Lillhemt residential area and the objections in opposition mainly from the Suurpelto side of Maakirjantie.

The safety of all modes of transport has been taken into account in the process of amending the detailed plan. The alignment of the western end of the road was slightly changed to ensure the safety and functionality of the intersection.

The matter will be discussed by the Espoo City Council after the City Board.