Tartu plans new bridge and cycling links by 2030

Tartu plans to build a pedestrian and cycling bridge and extend Ujula Street by 2030, creating new links between the city’s districts, ERR reports. The city wants to redirect funding intended for cycle paths on Laia and Tähe streets to the projects.

The bridge is estimated to cost 12 million euros, with a further 1 million euros budgeted for new cycle paths along Ujula Street. The city is seeking support for 70 percent of the costs through a Climate Ministry programme promoting sustainable transport. Construction of the bridge depends on whether external funding is secured and how much is granted.

The proposed bridge would extend Tuglase Street across the Emajõgi River and connect with pedestrian and cycling routes on the Ujula side. At about 100 metres long, it would be reserved for pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders. On the Supilinn side, its paths would continue through a tree-lined stretch of Tuglase Street and connect to the recently completed main cycle route network. The plans say the bridge would not obstruct movement along the riverbanks or disrupt green and blue corridors.

Ujula Street would be extended 800 metres toward Kvissentali, a district, from a sandstone outcrop. The extension would include a two-way road with pedestrian and cycling paths along its edge.

The city says the new connection is needed as Kvissentali continues to grow and a residential area called Uus-Tähtvere is planned. Once that development is complete, 1,600 to 2,000 people are expected to live there. Kvissentali is also due to gain 22 apartment buildings, bringing its estimated population to 3,000 to 3,500. Without another river crossing, the city says, more traffic would funnel through the centre and put additional pressure on already busy bridges and streets.

The projects would connect Kvissentali and the Raad-Kruusamäe area with the Supilinn and Tähtvere districts via the bridge, and with the city centre via Ujula Street. The city says the links would improve options for walking and cycling and reduce the need to drive in growing districts.

Under the city’s proposal, cycle paths on Laia and Tähe streets would be removed from the funding programme. Laia Street is still due for renovation, but on a smaller scale. The city says it would redirect its budget from upgrading the two streets to the bridge and Ujula Street extension, which it considers a greater step forward for walking and cycling.