The decision to build the tunnel came from the need for a more durable and less interrupted way from Pasila to Sörnäinen Harbour (today's Kalasatama).

As the street was built, narrower at that time, the rail traffic soon became troublesome in the area.

The new route was established through Vallilanlaakso and Kyläsaari, with the 650-meter (2,130 ft) tunnel included.

The harbour railway was dismantled in 2009–2010, though the tunnel remained walkable for almost a decade after.

[2] The tunnel remained abandoned until 2020 when the eastern entrance was shut and notable renovation started to turn part of the tunnel into 138-metre long (151 yd) indoor running track.