Tampere starts Yliopistontunneli works, Viinikankatu to be rebuilt

Tampere has signed a contract to begin construction of the Yliopistontunneli on Viinikankatu, starting now, according to City of Tampere.

The tunnel is the first phase of an underground driving link along Viinikankatu that continues Tampere’s subterranean development after the Rantaväylä tunnel and P-Hämppi. City officials say the work will create a new connection to the underground network from the Helsinki direction and free up space above ground by enabling the station-area parking garage to be moved below street level. Project manager Tero Tenhunen says building downwards lets the city grow both upwards and downwards, easing traffic and making the centre more accessible.

Construction will renew Viinikankatu between Ratapihankatu and Kalevantien, build tunnel access points and support walls, and separate pedestrian and cycling lanes; the preparatory phase lasts about two years before tunnel blasting begins. Pedestrians and cyclists are temporarily routed via Ratapihankatu, Kanslerinrinne and Kalevantien for roughly six months, and a partly covered, lit route segregated from motor traffic will open late in 2026. Motor traffic will keep one lane each way at a reduced 30 km/h limit. The joint procurement with Finnpark Parkisto Oy carries a city cost share of €50 million, approved by the city council on 16 September 2024, and Kreate Oy is the contractor.