The implementation phase of the Turku tramway begins – the alliance agreement has been signed

The parties to the Turku Tramway Alliance have signed an agreement on the implementation phase of the Turku tramway on 28 September 2026. Construction will begin in the Turku Cathedral Bridge area in early 2027, and trams will return to Turku in 2033.

The implementation phase alliance agreement covers two construction phases of the tramway, with the transition to the second phase expected to be confirmed in 2028.

The first implementation phase of the Turku tramway covers construction in the Turku Cathedral Bridge (Tuomiokirkkosilta) area in 2027–2028, as well as the tramway’s design costs. The estimated cost of this phase is 33.3 million euros. At the same time, extensive archaeological excavations will be carried out, with an estimated cost of 15.1 million euros. These sums are included in the tramway’s total cost estimate of 465.2 million euros.

During the second implementation phase, from 2028 to 2032, the tramway will be built, with all streets along the route being upgraded over the entire 12-kilometre stretch. The Turku City Council’s decision on the tramway in May was conditional upon state funding. The second phase of implementation is expected to begin in 2028, once state funding has been secured. Tram services in Turku will start in autumn 2033.

– The implementation planning carried out within the tramway alliance has laid a strong foundation for construction. The alliance model, in which all parties share common objectives, challenges and financial risk, is particularly well suited to such a large-scale, multi-phase project, says Juha Saarikoski, CEO of Turku Tramway Ltd and Chair of the Turku Tramway Alliance’s Executive Committee.

– It’s great to be able to put our plans into practice now that we’re officially moving into the construction phase following the signing of the agreement. Early next year, we’ll begin renovating the Turku Cathedral Bridge, building a public transport corridor in the area and carrying out archaeological excavations. The project is due to be completed in late 2028, in time for Turku’s 800th anniversary, explains Saarikoski.

The Turku Tramway Alliance comprises, as clients, Turku Tramway Ltd and the City of Turku, GRK and NRC Group as the construction partners, and Ramboll and Sweco as the design partners. The Turku Tramway Alliance commenced operations in spring 2024 at the start of the detailed design phase.

Further information

• Juha Saarikoski, Managing Director, Turku Tramway Ltd, tel. +358 40 336 0117
• Jouni Kekäle, Head of the Tramway Division, NRC Group, tel. +358 40 8621 802
• Jouko Viitala, Unit Manager, GRK Suomi Oy, tel. +358 40 538 1768
• Juha Siipo, Division Director, Infrastructure & Transport, Sweco, tel. +358 40 076 4890
• Peter Molin, Director, Infrastructure and transport, Ramboll Finland Oy, tel. +358 40 752 3667