Tartu's €16M road plan sparks backlash over axed cycling projects
Tartu's €16 million road construction plans for 2026 have sparked debate after the city removed two key projects aimed at improving cycling and pedestrian routes. Opposition politicians criticised the decision, arguing it favours car traffic over sustainable transport. Deputy Mayor Priit Humal defended the move, citing concerns about reduced road capacity for vehicles.
The controversy centres on the Turu and Lai street reconstructions, originally earmarked for EU funding to enhance cycle lanes and walkways. Their removal from the budget followed criticism from opposition leader Elo Kiivet, who called the decision a missed opportunity for urban innovation. Kiivet, leader of the Social Democratic Party (SDE) faction, argued that Tartu's budget lacks forward-thinking solutions for public spaces.
With Turu and Lai postponed, the city may now accelerate other projects, such as Paju street reconstruction and expansions to the Emajõgi riverfront promenade. Officials proposed an alternative cycling route along Aleksandri tänav for Turu street, though further assessment is needed before implementation. The largest single project in the plan is the €6.4 million reconstruction of Sõpruse Bridge. Additional works include €2 million for intersection upgrades and minor repairs to Rahu Bridge, costing a couple of hundred thousand euros. The total budget combines €13 million from city funds with €3 million from external grants. Humal, representing the Isamaa party, justified the changes by emphasising the need to maintain traffic flow. He claimed the Turu and Lai projects would have disrupted car capacity, a stance opponents dispute as short-sighted.
The adjusted budget shifts focus away from pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, prioritising vehicle traffic instead. While alternative projects like Paju street and the riverfront promenade may proceed sooner, the long-term impact on Tartu's transport network remains unclear. The city's final decisions will determine how EU funds and local resources are allocated in the coming years.
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