The City of Joensuu is building a roundabout at the end of Suvantosilta on Karjalankatu. Contrary to earlier announcements, Suvantosilta will remain closed to car traffic until the paving work is completed, which is expected by 15 October.
Starting 1 October, paving will also affect Vanharaitti, Tiaisenkatu and Tikkamäentie. During the paving period, the following streets will be closed to car traffic:
- Suvantosilta
- The ends of Tiaisenkatu and Tikkamäentie
- Vanharaitti
- Parts of Karjalankatu near the construction site
Detour routes for cars:
- Between Niinivaara and the city centre: Tikkamäentie – Huvilakatu – Kukkolankatu – Niinivaarantie – Karjalankatu – Sortavalankatu
- To Tiaisenkatu and the western part of Huvilakatu: via Tapionkatu
- To Wärtsilä Campus and Ollinkatu: via Kontionkatu
Walking and cycling is easiest
Pedestrians and cyclists can pass most of the paved areas. However, the following areas will be closed to them during the paving:
- The end of Tikkamäentie near the roundabout
- In front of Karelia University of Applied Sciences' Wärtsilä Campus on Karjalankatu
- Vanharaitti
Impact on JOJO and ELY bus routes
Bus lines that normally pass through the Karjalankatu roundabout will be temporarily rerouted.
See detailed information on JOJO website.
Parking restrictions on Huvilakatu
- No parking on the eastern end of Huvilakatu during paving
- No stopping at the Tikkamäentie end of Huvilakatu to ensure smooth traffic flow
- Residents may park on Tiaisenkatu and the western part of Huvilakatu
Why these traffic arrangements?
The city has decided to close streets near the roundabout to ensure safe and efficient work. With no car traffic, contractors can complete the paving faster and more safely.
The roundabout will have two layers of asphalt, which means the height of the kerbs may temporarily reach up to 22 centimetres. This makes the road especially narrow for buses. Closing the streets allows the paving to be done with fewer seams and better quality.