Crown Bridge showcases YIT’s capability to deliver Finland’s most demanding bridges

The Crown Bridge forms a new, striking landmark on the Helsinki waterfront and seamlessly connects the growing Laajasalo district to the city center via light rail, pedestrian, and bicycle routes. The bridge improves accessibility for sustainable modes of transport and strengthens cross-city traffic flow. At the same time, it opens up a new perspective of the archipelago and maritime scenery for everyone crossing the bridge.

Set to become Finland’s longest and most technically ambitious bridge, the Crown Bridge has been awarded the Concrete Structure of the Year 2025 prize. This is a significant acknowledgment of both the bridge’s design and execution. According to the expert jury, the project is an exemplary large-scale venture that has a major impact on the city’s traffic, environment, and the development of concrete construction in Finland. The recognition highlights the project’s advanced concrete engineering, innovative design, challenging construction phases, and the continual professional development of the infrastructure builders involved.

YIT Infra Oy and Kreate Oy have formed a consortium that is part of the Crown Bridge alliance. The project showcases YIT’s expertise in marine construction, concrete casting, tall structures, working in demanding conditions, and schedule and safety management.

Photo: Jarno Haanpuro

A sustainable and high-quality concrete structure built to last

Spanning a total length of 1,191 meters and featuring a pylon rising to 135 meters, the bridge is exceptional by Finnish standards. It is a composite cable-stayed and beam bridge with a concrete deck and a main span of 260 meters. Both the design and construction utilize advanced concrete technology and special concrete, with temperature and strength monitored in real time under challenging conditions. The site became a national leader, particularly in managing concrete cooling.

One of the project’s most ambitious goals was to achieve a 200-year service life for the structures. Constructing the tall pylon with climbing formwork, rarely used in Finnish infrastructure construction, and managing the temperature of massive structures demonstrated the project’s technical complexity and high level of expertise. According to the jury, the project’s innovation has advanced industry practice nationwide.

A new milestone in engineering and sustainable construction in Helsinki

The Crown Bridge stands as proof of YIT’s capabilities in both underwater and high-altitude infrastructure construction. The Concrete Structure of the Year 2025 award is a significant recognition for both the bridge’s design and execution, emphasizing the high professional standards of Finnish infrastructure builders and YIT’s ability to achieve excellent results under demanding conditions. The Crown Bridge is more than just a bridge. It’s a testament to Finnish expertise and commitment to quality, even in the most challenging projects.

The steel beams of the cable-stayed section of the Kruunuvuor Bridge were installed in place using a marine crane in the summer of 2023.

Recognized for design and execution

Client: City of Helsinki, Urban Environment Division
Project management consultant: Sitowise Oy
Designer: WSP Finland Oy
Contractors: TYL Kruunusillat: YIT Infra Oy, Kreate Oy
Bridge construction supervision: HTJ Oy
Concrete durability design: Betoniviidakko Oy
Concrete supplier: Ruskon Betoni Etelä Oy

The Concrete Structure of the Year competition has been organized since 1970. The award is given to a project that best represents Finnish concrete architecture, technology, and construction. The competition is organized by Betoniteollisuus ry.

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