DeterioratingCondition of Central Tallinn's Tramway on Display
Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is looking to modernise one of its key streets, Tartu Maantee, to better reflect a contemporary urban environment. However, immediate infrastructure upgrades to the tram tracks are not planned, as the street was renovated relatively recently [1].
According to Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan, the city's focus is currently on other streets like Liivalaia tänav for tram infrastructure updates, with improvements carried out on a rolling basis citywide by both the Transport Department and Tallinna Linnatranspordi AS. The city faces many locations in need of attention, and road maintenance is an ongoing process [1].
The current state of Tartu Maantee presents several challenges for pedestrians, with crumbling pavement, dust caused by tram traffic, and a lack of tall greenery making the street uncomfortable during hot weather. These issues suggest future plans for adding greenery and upgrading pedestrian-friendly elements to create a better urban environment, though specific projects or timelines are lacking in current statements [1].
While there is no direct mention of bike lanes in the current plans for Tartu Maantee, the need to redesign the street space could imply potential future improvements in cycling infrastructure as part of making it more modern and pedestrian friendly [1]. Aksel Johannes Part, department head at the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department, has stated that Tartu Maantee needs redesigning to reflect a modern urban environment, and the city plans to bring more greenery to the streets by reducing turning speeds, especially at pedestrian crossings [1].
The preliminary concept for the intersection of Tartu Maantee and Liivalaia tänav includes the Stockmann intersection and follows the newly agreed Tallinn street space guidelines. Notably, the design for Tartu Maantee no longer allows for channelized right turns in the city center, a change that aims to improve safety for pedestrians [1].
In the longer term, the city envisions improvements in tram infrastructure, pedestrian facilities, and greenery on Tartu Maantee. However, specific projects or timelines are not yet available [1]. Aksel Johannes Part plans to reallocate underused road space at wide intersections on Tartu Maantee to pedestrians and greenery, starting next year [1].
Tartu Maantee may be included in the city's plans earlier than the next investment cycle, which will take place in five to ten years. The street's current condition, with poor tram tracks causing discomfort for pedestrians during hot weather, underscores the need for these improvements [1].
References: [1] https://news.err.ee/1609759791/gallery-central-tallinn-tramway-falling-apart (2025-07-31)
- The government of Tallinn is considering including Tartu Maantee in the city's investment plans earlier than the next investment cycle, which is expected to take place in five to ten years.
- Aksel Johannes Part, department head at the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department, intends to reallocate underused road space at wide intersections on Tartu Maantee to pedestrians and greenery, starting next year.
- In the longer term, the city's plans for Tartu Maantee include improvements in tram infrastructure, pedestrian facilities, and greenery.
- To reflect a modern urban environment, the city plans to bring more greenery to the streets by reducing turning speeds, especially at pedestrian crossings, in the case of Tartu Maantee.
