In addition to pedestrian and cycling routes, crossings for pedestrians and cyclists will be upgraded in Mechelinkatu to meet current requirements. The construction of the streets will also involve the replacement of old and the construction of new municipal infrastructure.
A new access from Mechelininkatu will be built on the southern edge of the parking area under the Porkkalankatu bridge. The existing access will be converted into an exit.
The contract will begin with tree felling on week 16
In order to implement the widened pavement and cycle traffic arrangements in the Maria Hospital area, some 20 trees will be felled in the former hospital area, i.e. the future street area, as well as the fence along the edge of Mechelininkatu. The trees will be felled on 17–18 April. No nests were found in the trees during the nesting check at the beginning of the felling week.
The former Maria Hospital area and its surroundings will be built in phases in several contracts during which new plantings will also be introduced. New street green structures will be built in the Mechelininkatu contract area and more plantings added in summer 2025 at the latest. Vegetation will be increased in the eastern side of Itämerenkatu and Mechelininkatu by extending the existing shrub and lawn areas. In addition, there will be new perennial plantings at Mechelininkatu 1.
Minimum disturbance to vehicle traffic
The construction work will start at the end of April and will mainly take place during the summer, when tram line 8 will be out of service from 3 June. During the work, pedestrians will be partially detoured to the western edge of Mechelininkatu or alternatively to the Baana route.
Motor vehicle traffic will be affected in the Maria Hospital area as the stormwater drain is being replaced. Motor traffic will have access to two lanes in both directions of Mechelininkatu during the work. If necessary, the tramway section will be used for traffic arrangements during the work when the tramline is out of service.