Tallinn budget prioritises ongoing projects over major new works

Tallinn plans no major new construction or road projects in next year’s budget, focusing instead on work already under way, including at Kadriorg Stadium and on Peterburi Road, ERR reports.

The proposed budget totals 1.3 billion euros, about the same as this year’s. Revenue is forecast to rise by around 5 million euros, or roughly 0.5 percent. Operating costs are set to increase by 0.7 percent compared with this year’s initial budget.

The city plans to spend 168 million euros on investments, a few million less than in this year’s revised budget. The city budget will cover 159 million euros, with 5.3 million euros expected from external funding.

Transport and street works

Transport accounts for 31 million euros in planned investment. Tallinn plans to acquire 22 two-way trams, 60 gas buses and 60 battery-powered trolleybuses. Work will begin on new trolleybus infrastructure towards Õismäe and Lasnamäe, with trolley services on those routes planned to start in 2029.

Road spending will focus on continuing larger street projects and preparing new works. The main continuing project is a section of Peterburi Road between Majaka and Väike-Paala streets. The budget also allocates 1.5 million euros for the section between Mustakivi and Väo roads.

Other major street reconstruction projects are planned for Petrooleumi, Rahumäe, Tuisu and Salme streets, as well as streets in Mustamäe’s second quarter. The city also plans to rebuild tram tracks on Maneeži Street and Narva Road, including the section between Maneeži and Poska streets, and to renew the tram tracks at Majaka curve.

Design work will continue for the reconstruction of Pärnu Road from Vabaduse Square to Tondi Street. If the project proceeds to construction, plans call for cycle lanes, rebuilt major intersections and public transport stops, and stormwater drainage.

The largest planned investment in bridges and viaducts is construction of the Kantsi Street underpass. Major repairs are also due to begin on Pirita Bridge and Kumu Bridge. The city will continue preparing the Pelguranna tram line and the Kristiine public transport hub, and will complete construction of Rail Baltica tunnel 5 while continuing design work on a cycle route on Tehnika Street. Repairs are also planned for the roof of the Viru bus terminal.

Lighting, maintenance and schools

The city plans to increase spending on snow removal compared with last winter, aiming to provide street maintenance on a larger scale and to a higher standard. Winter maintenance of pavements will also continue.

A pilot plan for city lighting will be developed, with design guidance and a vision for Tallinn at night. The plan is intended to set out suitable lighting for different parts of the city, reduce light pollution and protect biodiversity in green spaces. The pilot’s results are intended to guide future lighting projects across Tallinn.

The largest planned education investments are an extension to Jakob Westholm Gymnasium, a new building for Tallinn Helen School and a new building for the Kullo hobby centre. Design work will continue for Kalamaja Basic School, a new basic school planned on Martsa Street in Lasnamäe, and Tallinn Nõmme Basic School. The city will also begin reconstruction and extension work at Kivimäe Basic School.