Tasanteen Interchange to Reroute Thousands of Cars and Move Niihama–Atala Path to New Green Bridge

Tampere city is planning a grade-separated Tasanteen interchange to link Highway 9 with the Aitolahdentie roundabout in east Tampere. Construction could begin as early as next year, Tamperelainen reported.

The proposal expands on earlier draft street plans that were on public display in October showing the Tasanteenväylä route and a proposed roundabout. In September, planners presented detailed walking and cycling plans at a public drop-in which highlighted the proposed green bridge.

Planners say the interchange is needed as nearby land use develops. Planning manager Jouni Sivenius cautioned it will inevitably increase motor vehicle traffic, and Tero Haarajärvi of the Central Finland vitality centre estimates the junction would shift about 4,400 vehicles per day from Aitolahdentie onto Highway 9, plus roughly 700 vehicles daily between Tasanteen and Aitovuori.

The scheme includes a new Tasanteenväylä street tying the interchange to Tasanteenkatu, with separate pedestrian and cycling connections alongside Aitolahdentie and the new road. Planners will move the Niihama–Atala recreational route roughly 500 metres north to a new green bridge over the highway, a change that drew more public questions at a September meeting than the street designs themselves.