Linnankatu in front of Turku Castle will be opened to traffic on Tuesday after Midsummer. At the same time, a new phase of work will begin on Satamakatu, closing traffic between Vallihaudankatu and Linnankatu. There will also be changes to parking areas in the harbour area.
The extensive renewal project of the streets in the Port of Turku has affected driving routes and parking arrangements in the area since last autumn. After Midsummer, the arrangements will become slightly easier when Linnankatu in front of Turku Castle is opened to traffic and it will once again be possible to drive to the harbour from the city centre.
The section of Linnankatu between Satamakatu and Toinen poikkikatu will remain closed.
The closure of Satamakatu will change parking arrangements in the area. Some parking spaces in the harbour area will be moved to a temporary parking area between Kuljetuskatu and Juhana Herttuan puistokatu. The parking areas near the terminals will remain unchanged. The updated parking areas are shown on the map.
The changes are expected to remain in force until August 2027. Access to properties in the area will be maintained throughout the construction work.
Kesärauha Festival Will Affect Traffic in June
Linnankatu between Satamakatu and Vallihaudankatu will be used by Kesärauha Festival from 5 to 17 June. During this time, the pedestrian and cycling route through Linnankatu will be closed, and access will be directed via Vallihaudankatu and Satamakatu.
After the festival, Linnankatu will be opened to traffic on 23 June, but construction work in the area will continue. More detailed information about the Kesärauha arrangements is available on the festival website.
Temporary Traffic Arrangements Near Pahaniemi Bridge Will Continue
In the northern part of the contract area, Tuontikatu is closed to vehicle traffic on the section passing under Pahaniemi Bridge between Vientiväylä and Tuontiväylä. A temporary roundabout is also in use in the area, and traffic is in some places directed to one lane.
These temporary arrangements will remain in force until 30 October. The arrangements may occasionally cause congestion, especially for traffic heading towards Ruissalo and the harbour.
The Works Are Part of the Development of Linnakaupunki
The Port of Turku and the area around Turku Castle will be renewed during 2025–2028. A new street network, pedestrian and cycling routes and planted areas will be built in the area. The aim is to calm down and open up the area around Turku Castle for shared use by residents, and to clarify traffic arrangements in the harbour area so that they can serve growing passenger and freight traffic volumes. At the same time, safety is improved and the development of the Linnakaupunki area as part of Turku city centre is supported.
The project is part of urban development in which Linnakaupunki will become a diverse area combining urban living, history, maritime character, art and culture. Linnanniemi is Turku’s gateway to the west. With the renewal, Turku will become an even stronger national and international transport hub and part of the chain of European cities.
In addition to the street network, a new joint terminal is currently being built in the harbour and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The joint terminal will be introduced in March 2027, when Tallink Silja moves into the new building. Viking Line will move there in 2028.
More information about the construction of streets in the harbour