Itsenäisyydenkatu underpass to close 2026–2031; businesses reachable via one-way Murtokatu

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) announced in a press release distributed via ePressi that the Itsenäisyydenkatu underpass in Tampere will be closed to motor traffic from 1 June 2026 as part of the Tampere passenger rail yard (Tampereen henkilöratapiha) redevelopment project.

The motor-vehicle ban will remain in place until the project is completed in 2031. It begins at the intersection of Yliopistonkatu and Tammelan puistokatu and affects the stretch of Itsenäisyydenkatu that runs under the rail area.

Businesses along the street will still be reachable by car. “Businesses between the underpass and Yliopistonkatu will still be accessible by vehicle via a one-way eastbound tunnel through Murtokatu,” project engineer Tapani Läärä said.

Pedestrians and cyclists will largely retain normal access: walking and cycling are allowed along Itsenäisyydenkatu up to the Murtokatu junction, where the underpass closure toward the city centre begins.

Kreate Oy will handle traffic arrangements during the works. Väylävirasto urged drivers and local businesses to plan journeys around the new one-way routing and said detailed maps and updates are available on its project web page.