Traffic on Highway 15 diverted onto temporary routes at bridge construction sites
9.10.2026 | New grade-separated junction bridges will be built on Highway 15 as part of the Highway 15 Rantahaka (Kotka)–Kouvola improvement project. The bridges will be constructed between Keltakangas and Kiehuva and between Leikari and Ylänummi. Construction work will begin during weeks 42 and 43. During the works, traffic on Highway 15 will be diverted onto temporary routes for a distance of approximately 200 metres at each bridge site.
The Suohaikula junction bridge will be built between Keltakangas and Kiehuva, in a forested section between the Havukantie and Aitomäentie intersections. The bridge will be constructed at the location of a private road, and the underpass beneath the bridge will be developed into a landscaped wildlife crossing. Temporary traffic arrangements for the bridge will come into effect on 12 October.
“Once the temporary traffic arrangements are in place, work will begin on the bridge foundations, including earthworks and rock excavation. The temporary route at the Suohaikula junction bridge will remain in use until late summer 2027,” says Antti Koski, Project Manager at the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency.
The Torpankylä junction bridge will be built between Leikari and Ylänummi at the Torpankyläntie intersection. Temporary traffic arrangements at the site will be introduced during week 43.
“Construction of the new bridge will begin with preparatory earthworks. The temporary route at the Torpankylä junction bridge will remain in use until summer 2027,” Koski says.
For safety reasons, the speed limit on both temporary routes will be reduced to 50 km/h. The new bridges are scheduled for completion during summer 2027.
Construction work to expand during late autumn
In addition to the bridge works, improvement works are underway at several other locations along Highway 15.
Rock excavation is currently being carried out between Uronlampi and Inkeroinen. Blasting work is taking place on the Inkeroinen side along the new highway section and near Uronlampi on future parallel road sections. Between Leikari and Ylänummi, construction of the Tavastilantie pedestrian and cycling route is continuing, and excavation work in the area is nearing completion.
Between Keltakangas and Kiehuva, construction has begun on a new parallel road extending from Hevosmäentie. Approximately three kilometres of new roadway will be built, while the existing road will also be upgraded. Rock aggregate is being transported to the area for the construction works, and the increase in site traffic will be noticeable to motorists.
“Construction work is still in its early stages and will expand throughout the area from Rantahaka to Kiehuva during late autumn. Road users will notice this particularly through changing speed limits. Depending on the stage of work, speed limits on Highway 15 will vary between 50 km/h and 80 km/h. We will restore normal speed limits whenever construction activities allow,” Koski says.