Light rail crossing safety pilot in Helsinki came to an end: here are some conclusions
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
The pilot deployment of an intelligent warning system at the Viikki light rail crossing in Helsinki has successfully concluded after one year of operation. The pilot was developed by the ELABORATOR partners Forum Virium Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, as well as the City of Helsinki and InnoTrafik Ltd.
Implemented in May 2025 as part of efforts to improve safety for vulnerable road users, the system was designed to alert pedestrians and cyclists when approaching trams might not be immediately visible due to the crossing’s layout and surrounding environment.
During the pilot, the system provided real-time visual warnings to crossing users, helping them better anticipate tram movements and make safer decisions. The trial generated valuable insights into user behaviour, system reliability, and the role of digital technologies in improving safety at complex urban transport interfaces.
Feedback collected throughout the pilot was largely positive. Stakeholders highlighted the system’s contribution to increasing awareness of approaching trams and its potential to reduce the risk of conflicts between active mobility users and public transport vehicles. The project also demonstrated how smart infrastructure can support safer and more accessible urban mobility.
The results of the pilot will contribute to the City of Helsinki’s ongoing assessment of innovative traffic safety measures and future investments in intelligent transport systems.
The experience gained at Viikki provides an important reference for other cities seeking to enhance safety at light rail crossings and strengthen the integration of active and sustainable mobility modes. The Viikki pilot, although temporary, is a great example of how the ELABORATOR project is helping cities improve their mobility networks.
Read more about the pilot and its results on the Forum Virium website.
You can also check out the video summary of the intervention down below and on the Forum Virium Helsinki official YouTube channel.
Thank you again to the Finnish ELABORATOR partners for developing such an insightful project.
Photos and video: Vesa Laitinen
