2+2 traffic to be restored on Tallinn's Hipodroomi intersection by school year start
By August 31, an additional traffic lane will be added at the Hipodroomi intersection in Tallinn, restoring two lanes of traffic in each direction instead of the current 2+1 traffic arrangement.
According to Tallinn Deputy Mayor Joel Jesse, the change will ease capacity constraints at the intersection, although construction work in the area will continue and traffic arrangements will remain different from normal.
"With the start of the school year, traffic volumes will increase across Tallinn and major traffic jams may still occur at the Hipodroomi intersection during rush hour, resulting in longer travel times. Please plan your journey in advance and, where possible, use alternative routes and public transportation," Jesse said.
"At the same time, sidewalk construction will continue on Paldiski maantee between Merelahe tee and Endla tänav and some traffic lanes will also be closed. I urge drivers to please leave public transportation lanes for buses, as this will help buses keep to their schedules as much as possible and ensure that people get to work and children get to school," he added.
Jesse noted that after September 1, work will continue on the outbound section of Paldiski maantee between Endla tänav and Mooni tänav. That section is due to reopen to traffic at the end of November.
Work on the inbound section will begin early next year, with the entire project scheduled for completion by the end of August 2027.
Jesse said the new infrastructure will make getting around the area more convenient and safer. "Separated bike lanes, green islands and new lighting will be installed along Paldiski maantee and a new crossing for pedestrians and cyclists will be added at the intersection. The existing tree-lined section of Paldiski maantee will also be preserved and drivers will be able to turn left from Hipodroomi tänav toward the city center," Jesse said.
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Editor: Aleksander Krjukov, Marcus Turovski
