Rantaradanbaana
In the future, Rantaradanbaana will be the main cycling route running from the border of Helsinki to Leppävaara and on towards Espoon keskus. It will also be an important part of Espoo’s cycling route network. Espoo’s Public Works Department has prepared a general plan for Rantaradanbaana between Leppävaara (Säterinpuistontie) and Kauklahti. The construction of the first sections of the route began in the winter of 2024.
The goal of the Rantaradanbaana project is to develop the pedestrian and cycling connections along the coastal railway line. The planned route is safe and accessible to all users and eliminates unnecessary detours. At the same time, access to station areas will be improved and bicycle parking spaces added.
Draft of general plan available for public review
The general plan was prepared in cooperation with the City of Kauniainen and the Espoo City Rail Link project. The draft plan is available for public review through the Otakantaa.fi website(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish).
Rantaradanbaana runs partly in the rail transport area, partly outside the area, and partly along existing streets and paths. The construction of the sections connected to the City Rail Link will be built at the same time as the new tracks by 2028. The construction schedule for the other sections presented in the general plan will be confirmed at a later stage as funding allows.
The draft plan does not include the following Rantaradanbaana sections: Ratsukatu Säterinpuistontie, Kera and Lasihytti (Kauklahti). These sections have been planned in their own projects. No general plan or more detailed plans have been drawn up for the Rantaradanbaana sections in central Leppävaara or east of Leppävaara to the Helsinki border, as these will be planned as part of the future detailed plans and overall transport solutions for these areas. The City of Kauniainen is responsible for the planning and construction of the Rantaradanbaana section running through Kauniainen.
In the draft plan, the target width of the route is approximately 6.8 metres, of which 2.5 metres are reserved for pedestrians and 4 metres for two-way cycle traffic. At certain points, a width of only 5.0 metres (2+3 m) can be achieved due to space limitations. A bicycle street, where motorists drive on cyclists’ terms, has been planned for Hiidenpolku and Forsellesintie in Kauniainen. In Espoon keskus, the Rantaradanbaana route is divided into two one-way cycling paths on different sides of the carriageway. The existing pedestrian and cycling paths running between Espoon keskus and Kauklahti will be widened, and a new underpass will provide access under the tracks.
Construction of the first sections of Rantaradanbaana has started
The first sections of Rantaradanbaana are being built in connection with the Espoo City Rail Link project. Rantaradanbaana will have long sections running along the tracks and new underpasses will offer access under the tracks. Some other structures will also be shared by Rantaradanbaana and the City Rail Link. Simultaneous construction will benefit both projects.
The first section to be built is a continuous route from Säterinpuistontie in Leppävaara to the Kirkkokatu roundabout in Espoon keskus. A cycling route and new underpasses will also be built between Espoon keskus and Kauklahti.
The work will continue from winter 2024 to summer 2028. The Rantaradanbaana route will serve as a site road during construction. Once the tracks are completed, the cycling route will be paved and finished for municipal residents and other users.
Projects to be completed later include the Hiidentie bicycle street, the one-way cycling lanes in Espoon keskus / the Virastopiha area, and the finishing of the Rantaradanbaana section between Espoon keskus and Kauklahti. The timetable of these projects depends on regional development projects and funding.
