Keltakallio traffic can cope with high volumes
Construction is now underway on Keltakallio – but how will traffic and other infrastructure keep up? Aino Vuopio, Infrastructure Manager at the City of Kotka’s Technical Services Department, says that the top priority in planning is traffic flow and safety.
“The priority in planning the transport network has been to divert traffic flows away from the Ristinkallio residential area. Through-traffic to the industrial area will be directed to Hurukselantie and Haminantie, away from the Ristinkallio area.”
Keltakalliontie and Santavekselintie are under construction at the moment and will be operational by the end of the year. “A pedestrian and cycle lane will also be built along both streets.”
The construction planning for the Keltakalliontie-Hurukselantie junction will be completed during the winter. “This ELY-led project will improve the flow of heavy goods traffic in particular and allow special transport to the industrial estate via Hurukselantie.”
The rehabilitation of the eastern end of Keltakalliontien and the design of the Haminantien access arrangements are also underway. “The preliminary design has been done together with the ELY and the next step will be to put the road design out to tender.” The Haminantie junction realignment will improve functionality and the eastern end of the Keltakalliontie will be overhauled.
The desired roundabout
The planning of the Tikankatu-Hurukselantie-Tapiontie junction is also starting: a traffic study and master plan have been completed and the City of Kotka and the ELY are aiming for a roundabout at the junction. “The roundabout will primarily improve traffic safety, but also flexibility,” says Vuopio, who knows from the public debate that local residents will be delighted. “The road plan for the roundabout will be completed in spring 2026, after which it will be made available for public consultation.” Once the road plan has been approved, the construction plans can proceed.
In addition, the construction of a noise and landscape barrier will continue on Keltakallio. “Stormwater basin structures have also been implemented on both sides of the plan area and are ready for more as the industrial estate projects progress.”
Kotkan Energia’s district heating project (including street sections from Kisällinkatu, Sepänkatu and Vanha Viipurintie) affects the infrastructure side in that the excavated street sections and street structures will be renovated in the same context.
