Colas wins contract to upgrade the E18 bypass in Finland
The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has selected the consortium comprising Destia, a Finnish subsidiary of Colas, and WSP Finland* to carry out the first phase of the modernization of the E18 Turku bypass as it passes through downtown Raisio. This project represents approximately €130 million** in revenue for Destia.
The project is being carried out under a joint venture model. Following a development phase conducted under a separate contract, construction began in July 2026, with the project scheduled to open to traffic in July 2030. This award follows an initial development phase contract won in 2025, worth €6.2 million.
The Turku E18 bypass is part of the Scandinavia-Mediterranean corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). It handles up to 31,000 vehicles per day, with a significant proportion of heavy-duty vehicles linked in particular to the region’s port, logistics, and industrial activities.
The project aims to modernize the route through Raisio’s city center to meet mobility needs along this strategic corridor, while improving traffic flow, road safety, and the urban environment.
This first phase includes, in particular, the construction of a road tunnel approximately 420 meters long with three lanes in each direction on the E18 bypass (National Road 40). The tunnel will pass under the main avenue in the city center. New connections to the urban road network will also be created to facilitate local travel and better integrate the infrastructure into its surroundings.
"This project is one of the major road construction projects currently underway in Finland. It will draw on the full range of Destia’s expertise in the development of complex transportation infrastructure and demonstrates our ability to carry out strategic projects in challenging urban environments. Together with our partners, we are proud to contribute to the sustainable modernization of a corridor that is essential to the country’s mobility and economy", said Heikki Haasmaa, President and CEO of Destia.
"This new contract confirms the Colas Group’s ability to design and build major transportation infrastructure. Thanks to Destia’s expertise and local presence, the Group will contribute to the modernization of a key corridor in the European network, promoting smoother, safer, and more sustainable mobility", said Francis Grass, Managing Director for EMEA at the Colas Group.
The project is based on a partnership model bringing together the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, the City of Raisio, Fintraffic***, Destia (Colas), and WSP Finland around shared objectives of performance, quality, and risk management.
A subsidiary of the Colas Group, Destia is the leading provider of infrastructure services in Finland. The company designs, builds, and maintains transportation, industrial, and energy infrastructure. It employs nearly 1,900 people.
* Finnish engineering and consulting firm
** Entered into the order backlog in July 2026
*** Finnish public group responsible for managing and regulating various modes of transportation
