Turku traffic control centre may close as operations centralise to Helsinki and Tampere

The state-owned traffic service provider Fintraffic has launched negotiations that could lead to the closure of its Turku traffic control centre, with operations consolidated in Helsinki and Tampere instead, Yle reports.

Fintraffic currently operates three regional traffic control centres—located in Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku—monitoring road traffic 24/7 year-round. Under the proposed changes, only the Helsinki and Tampere centres would remain open.

Strategic and communications director Mikko Saariaho told Yle that the restructuring aims to ensure uninterrupted nationwide service without disrupting road users. “The negotiations will explore the option of concentrating operations in Helsinki and Tampere,” he said, adding that the exact impact on staffing levels is not yet known.

Around 10 employees work at the Turku centre, overseeing roads in Southwest Finland, Satakunta, Ostrobothnia, South Ostrobothnia, and Central Ostrobothnia. Saariaho noted that Fintraffic will seek to offer new positions to affected staff and provide support during any transition.

The proposed changes align with Fintraffic’s commitment to improve operational efficiency by €30 million between 2023 and 2028. The restructuring may also eliminate overlapping functions in other traffic management roles.

Current cross-regional coordination with police, emergency services, and defence forces will continue under the centralised model, according to Fintraffic’s statement.