Construction of the Pirkkala–Linnainmaa tramway is progressing – roundabout to be introduced at the junction between Hatanpään valtatie and Tampereen valtatie on 18 March
The Tampere Tramway Pirkkala–Linnainmaa Alliance will continue the construction of the tramway as planned. On 18 March, a significant change will be made to the traffic arrangements at the junction between Hatanpää valtatie and Tampereen valtatie, where a roundabout will be introduced instead of the current traffic light-controlled junction. Preparations for the introduction of the roundabout will be carried out at the beginning of March, partly at night.
Tramway construction site expands to junction area
The roundabout will be introduced as the work site on Hatanpään valtatie will expand during the spring and municipal engineering work will begin in the junction area. In connection with the construction of the tramway, the traffic light systems in the area will also be replaced, taking into account future tram traffic. The purpose of the roundabout is to improve the flow of traffic during tramway work.
”Based on previous experience, the use of roundabouts during construction has been found to be a working solution. A roundabout makes traffic smoother and reduces congestion when there are fewer lanes in the vicinity. In addition, it will improve traffic safety in the junction area during the work,” says Sari Valjus, Project Manager of the Tampere Tramway Pirkkala–Linnainmaa Alliance.
The roundabout at the junction between Hatanpää valtatie and Tampereen valtatie will be long-term and will remain in use for almost the entire construction period, estimated to last until summer 2027. The Pirkkala–Linnainmaa Alliance and the City of Tampere’s traffic planning department work together to monitor the safety and functionality of traffic at the junction.
”We know that this is a change that may have a broad impact on traffic in the city, and there may be occasional congestion in the area affected by the junction. However, the routes through Hatanpään valtatie and Tampereen valtatie to the city centre will be in use throughout the construction. We strive for as clear traffic arrangements as possible that are easy to adopt, so that traffic and services run smoothly in all work phases,” Valjus says.
Lane changes when reaching the roundabout
One lane from all directions will lead to the roundabout between Hatanpään valtatie and Tampereen valtatie. When driving from the west (Hämeenpuisto direction) and east (Viinikka direction) to the roundabout, there is also a free right lane for turning to Hatanpään valtatie. From the eastern direction of Tampereen valtatie, the roundabout also provides access to Hatanpään valtatie southbound. Turning from Hatanpään valtatie to Tampereen valtatie is via the roundabout. Changed traffic arrangements at the junction will be announced in advance on the street network through signs.
Walking and cycling routes will be arranged in the junction area at all stages of the work, but the locations of pedestrian crossings, for example, will change as the work progresses. The regional main routes for bicycle traffic will be directed to detours passing the junction, away from Hatanpään valtatie. During construction, Hatanpään valtatie will also have a narrower combined pedestrian and cycling route, the location of which varies from side to side of the street. Access to properties, companies and services in the area will be ensured during the work.
Traffic arrangements prepared at night
Phased alteration work at the junction between Tampereen valtatie and Hatanpään valtatie will precede the introduction of the roundabout. Traffic islands and traffic lights will be removed from the junction and necessary lane arrangements will be made. Alteration work will mainly be carried out during the day, but also at night when there is less traffic, if necessary. The alteration work is estimated to take place during weeks 10 and 11.
There are already extensive construction-time traffic arrangements in force on Hatanpään valtatie, with one lane in use in each direction. There will also be one lane per direction in the final situation after the tramway is completed.
In addition to Hatanpään valtatie, roundabouts are used on Nuolialantie in the Valmetinkatu junction and at the junction between Nuolialantie and Naistenmatkantie in Partola due to the construction of the tramway. As construction progresses, roundabouts may be used at other junctions, if necessary.
Updated on 12 March: Added information on the roundabout’s introduction date.