Raisio intersection with heavy traffic to be replaced by tunnel in 2029

One of Finland’s largest road projects will transform Raisio’s congested city center, where a high-risk intersection handling up to 30,000 vehicles daily will be replaced by an underground tunnel by 2029, reports Finnish broadcaster Yle.

The intersection of Highway 40 and Raisiontie is a known bottleneck, with long queues causing frustration and dangerous situations as drivers rush through yellow lights. Residents have called for increased police enforcement until the tunnel opens in roughly three years.

Local couple Maija and Tapani Laine described their experiences with the traffic hazards. Maija Laine, who often drives through the intersection after morning swims, said she fears navigating the area. “If there were speed checks or enforcement for running red lights, it might calm things down,” she suggested. Her husband, Tapani, was involved in a collision at the intersection in September 2025 when his car was struck by two vehicles after he became stuck in traffic. “The car spun badly and was totaled, but I only had minor injuries,” he said.

Traffic safety engineer Jaakko Klang noted that while no fatal accidents have occurred in five years, the high volume—up to 31,000 vehicles daily on Highway 40 and 8,000 on Raisiontie, with 15% potentially heavy trucks—creates risks. “Long queues lead to impatience. Drivers may run yellow lights, colliding with vehicles coming from other directions,” Klang explained. Rear-end collisions are also common due to sudden stops at red lights.

Police report three to four accidents annually, some classified as severe traffic violations, such as running red lights. Chief Superintendent Kai Loukkaanhuhta acknowledged the risks but said targeted enforcement is rare, with patrols addressing violations as observed.

The €230 million project, part of the Turku Ring Road expansion, begins construction in autumn 2026. Heavy traffic will shift underground, reducing surface congestion.