Helsinki already ranks as one of the world’s most (1) _____ cities, but by 2050, it may top the list. Over the next few decades, Helsinki expects to add around 250,000 new residents. But the more the population grows, the fewer cars will be on city streets as Helsinki (2) _____ itself into a network of (3) ______ that are virtually car-free.
Right now, like many cities, Helsinki has a compact (4) ______ linked to far-flung suburbs by expressways. (5) _____ the city grows, each suburb will change into a mini-urban center surrounding tram or rail stations. Helsinki expects its busy expressways to become boulevards lined with new (6) _____ , sidewalk cafes, bike lanes, and trams and buses. Residents will run everyday errands on foot or by bike; the city hopes that homes, businesses, schools, and stores will all be (7) ______ together that many people might not even have to (8) ______ anymore.
Helsinki is described as a green network city which has five 'green fingers' (9) _____ through the city from sea to surrounding forest network. Most of the new development will be located on brownfield areas, residential areas, and on transforming motorway corridors. The city also plans to add parks along the shoreline and add new (10) ______ to nearby islands.