Deputy mayors Kristjan Järvan (Eesti 200) and Joel Jesse (Center) met with representatives of the Estonian Association of Architects on Thursday to discuss the preliminary design for the reconstruction of Pärnu maantee.

Jesse told ERR the aim is to review the locations of public transport stops to improve transfer opportunities and create more logical stop locations.

He said the Kosmos tram stop will be moved 100 meters toward Liivalaia, next to the intersection.

"The optimal distance between stops is around 600 meters, which means that if you are in the middle, it's a three-minute walk to the next stop. There are also four major schools around the Liivalaia intersection — Tõnismäe Secondary School of Science, the vocational school, Tallinn University of Applied Sciences and the Tallinn School of Music and Ballet," Jesse said.

At the same time, the walk to the French Lycée would become 100 meters longer.

Jesse said such a solution would allow different modes of public transport to stop together at the same stop more effectively.

However, President of the Estonian Association of Architects Aet Ader said the European practice is for the distance between stops in city centers to be between 200 and 400 meters.

"A distance of more than 600 meters is too long for citizens to choose public transport, especially elderly people, young children and people with mobility impairments," she said.

Ader also said she would like to see more short-term stopping spaces on Pärnu maantee.

"It's certainly a welcome idea that there could be more short-term stopping spaces there, but if we look at the current two-plus-two solution — one lane for public transport and one for private cars in each direction. If that were changed to a two-plus-one solution, as they proposed, then yes, short-term stopping spaces could be created. But then private cars, trams and buses would all be using the same lane, and if something happened — a minor collision, an accident, if tram traffic stopped or there were some other incident — there would be no possibility of diverting traffic because there is also a central barrier," Jesse commented.

"We still have to ensure that traffic flows smoothly and safely," he added.

He stressed that there is also a parking garage next to the Rimi supermarket on Pärnu maantee.

But Ader said the city has not presented alternatives to the current 2+2 lane solution.

"In our view, different solutions should be considered, including whether a 2+1 lane solution would be possible. We need to examine in great detail how we could improve the quality of the space so there would be stopping places, businesses could load goods, and taxis or couriers could stop. We also need to consider how to fit a few benches and some greenery into the street corridor to support street life and the functioning of those businesses. I think this should be explored further through more detailed design," Ader said.

She also noted that mistakes could be avoided if, alongside mobility experts, the city also involved spatial planning experts.

"Not enough spatial experts have been involved. We were unable to identify which landscape architect was involved in developing the project to ensure the quality of the public space," the architecture association's president said.

At the same time, Ader acknowledged that the overall project is a step forward because it takes all road users into account.

"But the proposals we have would make it even better. Considering that projects like this are built to last for decades, there are still a few adjustments that could improve it further. Otherwise, it's very positive that the City of Tallinn is tackling this at all. I think Pärnu maantee will also eventually connect with the main street project at Freedom Square. It is one of the capital's most important public spaces," she said.

Jesse said the Pärnu maantee reconstruction project is currently in the design phase, with design work continuing this year and next year, while construction is expected to begin at the end of next year.

"The construction schedule is planned to take approximately two years," he said.

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