Refurbishment of Turku Cathedral Bridge to alter city centre traffic in 2027–2028

As an alternative route, it is proposed that Aura Bridge be reserved for public transport, cycling and pedestrians. Other motor vehicle traffic would not be permitted on Aura Bridge. The arrangement is intended to safeguard accessibility to the city centre and ensure the smooth operation of public transport during the exceptional traffic situation. The proposal will be submitted to the City Board of Turku on Monday, 14 September 2026. 

In May 2026, the Turku City Council decided that, during the first construction phase of the Port–Varissuo tramway, the Turku Tramway Alliance will refurbish Turku Cathedral Bridge and construct a public transport corridor between Eerikinkatu and Hämeenkatu in preparation for the tramway. Archaeological excavations will also be carried out in the area. 

The council’s decision was based on the tramway implementation plan, according to which Turku Cathedral Bridge will be closed for the duration of the refurbishment. The bridge must be renovated as it has reached the end of its service life. 

"Construction sites always cause disruption, but this project and the associated traffic arrangements have been planned to minimise inconvenience and return the bridge to use as quickly as possible. The refurbishment will also deliver the first section of the new public transport corridor that will be built as part of the tramway project. In total, 12 kilometres of new urban streetscape will be created, including cycle paths, pavements, carriageways and green infrastructure," says Tuomas Heikkinen, Chief of Staff for the City of Turku. 

How people will travel in the area in 2027–2028 

From April 2027 to November 2028, Turku Cathedral Bridge and the section between Eerikinkatu and Hämeenkatu will be closed. The closure of the bridge will affect traffic across a wide area of central Turku. The arrangements for different modes of transport during 2027–2028 are summarised below. 

Public transport 

• Buses will be removed from Turku Cathedral Bridge in February 2027. 
• Aura Bridge will be reserved for public transport from February 2027 to November 2028. 

Private vehicles 

• During February and March 2027, one traffic lane in each direction will remain in use within the bridge construction area. 
• Private car traffic will be prohibited on Aura Bridge from February 2027 to November 2028. This arrangement is necessary to maintain accessibility to the city centre and keep buses running on schedule. 
• Based on traffic modelling, vehicle traffic will be redirected to Martinsilta Bridge, Myllysilta Bridge and Tuomaansilta Bridge. 
• Some traffic is also expected to use Halistensilta Bridge and the Ring Road bridge. 
• Through traffic will be encouraged to bypass the city centre using more distant routes. 

Walking 

• Pedestrians will be able to cross Uudenmaankatu throughout the construction period. 
• The Aura River can be crossed via a temporary bridge to be constructed near the location of Turku Cathedral Bridge. 
• The quality standards of the temporary bridge, including accessibility, are still being assessed. 
• Library Bridge, Aura Bridge and other permanent bridges will also remain available to pedestrians. 

Cycling 

• Cyclists will be able to cross Uudenmaankatu throughout the construction period. 
• The Aura River can be crossed by bicycle via Library Bridge, Aura Bridge and other permanent bridges. 
• Cycling on the temporary bridge will not be permitted for safety reasons. 

Planned implementation and traffic arrangements will save time and money 

The City of Turku and the Turku Tramway Alliance have also examined alternative approaches and their impacts for managing vehicle traffic across Turku Cathedral Bridge. The alternatives are included in the supporting material for the City Board decision proposal (Appendix 5). 

Closing Turku Cathedral Bridge throughout 2027–2028 enables the project to be delivered as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. If through traffic were allowed on the bridge, construction would need to be carried out in two phases and archaeological excavations would have to be undertaken less efficiently. 

The Tramway Alliance estimates that a refurbishment allowing through traffic would extend the project duration from just under two years to almost four years. Costs would increase significantly. The area would also remain a construction site during Turku’s 800th anniversary year. Even under this option, Aura Bridge would still need to be reserved for buses, but for a longer period. 

"With the closure of Turku Cathedral Bridge, the number of buses using Aura Bridge will nearly triple. If the bridge is not reserved for buses, traffic queues will spread across a large part of the city centre. Bus services would be delayed and Föli’s operating costs would rise. According to traffic planning studies, partial driving restrictions are not a workable solution," says Kimmo Suonpää, Director of Urban Construction Services for the City of Turku. 

The State has committed to financing the first phase of the tramway project with up to 30 per cent of the costs, or a maximum of 10 million euros. 

"If the work is not completed during 2028, receiving state funding will remain possible but uncertain," Suonpää says. 

*This translation was produced with AI and reviewed by a human. 

• City Board agenda, 14 September 2026 (in Finnish)

Photo: Jussi Vierimaa / Turun Raitiotieallianssi