Temporary traffic arrangements

All temporary traffic arrangements must comply with the Use of Public Areas, TemporaryTraffic Arrangenements and Street Works(external link, opens in a new window) (In Finnish) guidelines, which are common to all municipalities in the Metropolitan Area.

Please familiarise yourself with the terrain and remember to take all modes of transport into account in the plans.

Ensure that all diversionary routes are marked with continuous signposting. The basic principle is to guide where people are allowed to go and not just close off routes.

• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic should be planned as separate modes of transport.
• Even short-term use of machinery on pedestrian and bicycle paths always requires the use of a traffic controller.
• In principle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic should not be directed to a diversionary route without compelling reasons but primarily be separated from vehicle traffic by necessary means. Exceptions to this are streets with significant public transport.
• If the speed limit is max. 30 km/h, bicycle traffic can be directed to a carriageway.
• If you are not sure whether a route is suitable for cycling, test it!
• More detailed instructions on how to take cycling into account: https://kuntatekniikka.fi/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/Pyoraliikenne_ja_katutyot_2022.pdf(external link, opens in a new window) (In Finnish)
• Remember to also take into account accessibility requirements.

• If a street with public transport needs to be closed or narrowed, please contact HSL Infra (infra@hsl.fi) at least two (2) weeks before the start of the works.
• If the work involves changes to timetables or routes, HSL must be contacted at least two (2) months before the work starts.
• More detailed instructions on how to take public transport into account: https://kuntatekniikka.fi/skty/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2023/05/HSL_esitys_kaivuukoulutus2023_paivitetty05052023.pdf(external link, opens in a new window)

For temporary traffic arrangements, it is recommended to use plans that are in line with the attached model images. The level I model is suitable for simple works in the street area. The level II and III models are intended for works that will cause more significant and/or longer-term disruptions to traffic. The appropriate model image should be selected according to the level of disruption and/or duration of the works. The permit procedure will be speeded up if the traffic arrangement plan is drawn up in accordance with the model images, taking into account all the issues presented in them.

• Level I reference image
  • For works in the street area that can be consistently carried out in accordance with the reference image(s).
• Level II reference image
  • Compared to level I, this is a plan that cannot be carried out on the basis of reference images alone and requires more detailed planning tailored to the work site.
  • A plan that is not precise and does not require the use of a separate planning programme.
• Level III reference image
  • Compared to level II, this is a plan that requires very careful planning on how to implement temporary traffic arrangements at the site, taking into account other traffic.
  • The plan will be precise and drawn up using separate planning programmes.

Instructions and model images for temporary traffic arrangements(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)

• The City of Espoo has compiled a traffic sign library to help plan traffic arrangements during construction, which includes the most commonly used traffic control devices in picture format.
• City of Espoo map service(external link, opens in a new window)

Distances when working in the vicinity of a tramway:

• Working in the vicinity of a tramway is considered dangerous work and always requires a separate permit from Kaupunkiliikenne Oy.
• The safety distance to a tramway is 4.0 m from the track. Work in this area is not permitted without a permit from Kaupunkiliikenne Oy and separate safety precautions, such as disconnecting the power supply and employing a safety officer. The impact area of the track may be considerably larger than this on a case-by-case basis.
• Kaupunkiliikenne Oy and the City of Espoo must be informed 14 days before the start of work that will cause minor inconvenience. If the work will have a significant impact on the operation of the tramway, Kaupunkiliikenne Oy, Espoo and HSL must be informed five (5) months before the start of the work!
• Exceptions to the four-metre distance are the following work phases, for which Kaupunkiliikenne Oy must also be contacted:
  • piling or support walling is carried out ten metres or closer to the track
  • working underneath the tramway (e.g. cured-in-place piping, drilling)
  • working above the tramway (e.g. lifting, building on top)
  • blasting and excavation work will be considered in accordance with the requirements of the permits required for the work. Special attention must be paid to electricity supply points, which are sensitive to blasting.
• See more instructions and apply for a permit to work in the vicinity of a tramway: https://kaupunkiliikenne.fi/kaupunkiraidehankkeet-ja-kunnossapito/urakoitsijalle/tyot-raitiotieradan-laheisyydessa/(external link, opens in a new window)
• For more information, please contact: urakoitsijaohjeistus@kaupunkiliikenne.fi

Excavation in public areas, such as streets and parks, requires an excavation permit. When you plan to run pipes, cables or other structures (e.g. electric cables, water or district heating pipes) in a public area, you will also need a siting permit. The Public Works Department grants excavation and siting permits for city-controlled public areas. You can apply for the permit online(external link, opens in a new window).

The excavation permit is subject to a fee . When applying for an excavation permit, you must provide the payment information and the payer’s business ID or personal identity code. If the person who applies for the permit is not the person commissioning the work, the applicant needs a power of attorney signed by the commissioner.

Before applying for an excavation permit, consider the following:

• Does the work require a siting permit?
• Does the work require a permit for temporary traffic arrangements, i.e. will the work cause significant harm to traffic (closing a lane, arranging a detour, etc.)?
• Is there a need to rent public areas for construction or parking?

PLEASE NOTE! The capital region cities (Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen) require that the person responsible for the excavation work has completed a course on excavation work. A construction site in a public area must have at least one construction worker who has a valid certificate of having completed the ‘Pääkaupunkiseudun katutyöt’ (roadworks in the capital region) course. The course is organised by Suomen kuntatekniikan yhdistys SKTY. Sign up for the course here: Pääkaupunkiseudun katutyöt -koulutus - SKTY(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish).