Residents want lower speed limits and more greenery on Tallinn’s Main Street
Tallinn is developing a modern, people-friendly, and green Main Street along Narva maantee and Pärnu maantee, stretching from the Jõe–Pronksi intersection to Vabaduse väljak. Locals are invited to join a public discussion on 11 June at 17:30 at Nordic Hotel Forum, where the city will present an overview of the feedback received so far.
“On the new Main Street, the needs of all types of mobility will be considered—pedestrian access to local businesses will improve, public transport will run more efficiently, and drivers will still be able to navigate and park comfortably,” said Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere. “In 2018, we commissioned a study from the internationally recognised Ramboll Finland, which confirmed that even with 30% denser traffic schedules, public transport can operate efficiently alongside other mobility options,” he added.
The new Main Street aims to create a safe and accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists, improve public transport usability, and accommodate vehicular traffic and local business needs. The resulting urban space will support sustainable and active mobility, help energise nearby cafés and shops, and transform the city centre into a more open and people-friendly area.
Residents were able to submit ideas and feedback on the design brief between 6 and 19 May. At the public discussion on 11 June, the Urban Environment and Public Works Department will present the input received and explain how the city plans to move forward with the project. There will also be opportunities to contribute at the event.
Feedback highlighted the desire to preserve existing greenery, plant more trees and shrubs, and implement solutions to ensure compliance with the 30 km/h speed limit and prevent parking on sidewalks, cycle paths, or green areas.
“We’re pleased to see that residents actively engaged in imagining how Main Street could become a vibrant urban centre for everyone. We received many constructive suggestions, particularly on bike lane design and improving access to local businesses. We’re grateful for this input and will respond at the upcoming meeting,” said Aksel Johannes Part, Head of the Urban Environment Planning Division.
Next, the city will develop a detailed construction project, specifying technical and spatial solutions (including roads, sidewalks, utilities, greenery, and lighting). Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
More information is available at https://www.tallinn.ee/et/peatanav.
The project is based on the winning entry of an architectural competition, “Spring in the City”, by architects Toomas Paaver (Linnalahendused OÜ), Indrek Kustavus (Extech Design OÜ), Indrek Peil, Siiri Vallner, Kristel Niisuke, Valdis Linde, and Riin-Kärt Ranne (Kavakava OÜ).
A video introducing the winning design is available on Tallinn’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=sty10elZcSo.
The new Main Street aims to create a safe and accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists, improve public transport usability, and accommodate vehicular traffic and local business needs. The resulting urban space will support sustainable and active mobility, help energise nearby cafés and shops, and transform the city centre into a more open and people-friendly area.
Residents were able to submit ideas and feedback on the design brief between 6 and 19 May. At the public discussion on 11 June, the Urban Environment and Public Works Department will present the input received and explain how the city plans to move forward with the project. There will also be opportunities to contribute at the event.
Feedback highlighted the desire to preserve existing greenery, plant more trees and shrubs, and implement solutions to ensure compliance with the 30 km/h speed limit and prevent parking on sidewalks, cycle paths, or green areas.
“We’re pleased to see that residents actively engaged in imagining how Main Street could become a vibrant urban centre for everyone. We received many constructive suggestions, particularly on bike lane design and improving access to local businesses. We’re grateful for this input and will respond at the upcoming meeting,” said Aksel Johannes Part, Head of the Urban Environment Planning Division.
Next, the city will develop a detailed construction project, specifying technical and spatial solutions (including roads, sidewalks, utilities, greenery, and lighting). Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
More information is available at https://www.tallinn.ee/et/peatanav.
The project is based on the winning entry of an architectural competition, “Spring in the City”, by architects Toomas Paaver (Linnalahendused OÜ), Indrek Kustavus (Extech Design OÜ), Indrek Peil, Siiri Vallner, Kristel Niisuke, Valdis Linde, and Riin-Kärt Ranne (Kavakava OÜ).
A video introducing the winning design is available on Tallinn’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=sty10elZcSo.