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Hipodroomi intersection design to remain unchanged

Hipodroomi intersection design to remain unchanged

The Tallinn City Government has decided to proceed with the current design plan for the Hipodroomi intersection development, as it accommodates all modes of transportation and offers sufficient traffic capacity. The city supports the developer in the swift implementation of the project.

Initially, the project included plans to add an extra lane at the intersection. However, the previous city administration directed the Hipodroomi developer to reduce the number of planned lanes on Paldiski maantee and at the Hipodroomi intersection. They eliminated one additional lane and removed a public transport lane. The current solution involves reconstructing the Hipodroomi intersection with one fewer lane, providing more space for pedestrians and cyclists.

To ensure the project design is optimal from an urban and mobility perspective, additional modeling of the proposed traffic solution was conducted. Based on the modeling results, some minor yet significant urban modifications were made. The number of lanes in the Hipodroomi intersection area was adjusted, which will not significantly impact traffic service but will allow for more optimal movement for all intersection users. Minor adjustments were also made to the infrastructure planned for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

According to the Tallinn Transport Department, the agreed solution with the developer is optimal for various user groups—pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, and private vehicle drivers.

Modifying the project would likely prevent the developer from starting construction work on the intersection area next year and would also require changes to the timelines for the reconstruction of utility networks.

Considering all factors, the city government decided to continue with the current design for the Hipodroomi intersection.

"Hipodroomi intersection, developed in collaboration with the city, will offer a safe, functional, and green street space for everyone. Nowadays, capacity is measured in people, not cars," said Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere. "If every new apartment requires at least one parking space by city demand, we end up with one hundred new cars for every hundred apartments, one thousand new cars for every thousand apartments, and so on. The new city administration, however, is finally listening to developers and architects, and using the best scientific practices, we will amend the city's parking regulations by autumn, reducing congestion and lowering apartment prices."

"Thousands of residents will move into the Hipodroomi residential area in the future, and traffic congestion at the intersection will inevitably increase," said Deputy Mayor for Transport, Kristjan Järvan. "Therefore, I do not agree with eliminating the public transport lane and merely maintaining the current intersection capacity. To prevent congestion, the capacity of the Hipodroomi intersection should be increased by adding lanes. However, since project changes require city government consensus, which seems unattainable, blocking the current solution and indefinitely delaying the start of work would be extremely unfair to the private developer investing in the Hipodroomi residential area."

The space gained from the removed public transport lane will be used to enlarge the safety island and provide additional space for greenery. The project area will see the planting of 60 trees, 16,000 shrubs and perennials, and 8,000 bulbs.