The City of Tallinn is planning the reconstruction of Ristiku and Härjapea streets to transform the existing street space into a modern, greener, and more inclusive urban area. A public presentation of the landscaping solution for Ristiku Street will take place on Thursday, February 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Pelgulinna Gümnaasium (Mulla 7).

"Prior to the design phase, an inventory of the willow trees growing in the section between Ristiku Street, Paldiski maantee, and Härjapea Street was conducted, resistograph studies were carried out by a forest warden-dendrologist, and the head dendrologist of the Tallinn Botanic Garden has also given their opinion. Now, we wish to present the landscaping solution developed as a result, which considers both the health condition of the trees and the goal of creating multilayered greenery on the street," said Manuela Pihlap, District Governor of Põhja-Tallinn.

The reconstruction will create new sidewalks, bike lanes, and road on Ristiku Street, preserve the existing tall vegetation, and supplement it with new low and tall vegetation landscaping, as well as update street lighting solutions and underground utilities. The project area encompasses the entire length of Ristiku Street (from Paldiski maantee to Kopli Street), Härjapea Street (from Sõle Street to Heina Street), and Ristiku põik.

For Ristiku Street and Härjapea Street, the plan includes the establishment of new low and tall vegetation landscaping, rain gardens, and planting areas with plant communities that would minimize the constant need for mowing and benefit the equalization of flow rates during summer downpours. The street space is designed to include park benches, trash bins, as well as parking spots for bicycles and scooters.

A pedestrian area with low and tall vegetation, seating areas, and bicycle racks is planned in front of Ristiku põhikool. A stopping bay for cars and buses is also planned in front of the school. Bus stops will be equipped with waiting pavilions and other street furniture, with plans for a new bus stop named "Standard," and the "Härjapea" stop will be relocated to the other side of the intersection.

Härjapea Street is designed as a shared space for both cyclists and car traffic, with intersections raised and offset to increase traffic safety and visibility. Ristiku põik is designed as a home zone – where the sidewalk, road, and parking spaces are all on the same level.

The landscaping solution will be presented by Olev Abner, head dendrologist at the Tallinn Botanic Garden. Representatives from AS K-Projekt, the designers, and officials from the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department and Põhja-Tallinn District will also be present.

Updates on the reconstruction process of Ristiku and Härjapea streets can be followed on the website tallinn.ee/ristikutn.