The Old City Harbour tramline will officially open on Friday, November 29, at 12:00, with a ceremony held between Viru Keskus and the Tallink Hotel. The opening event will feature a high-wire act by world-renowned slackliner Jaan Roose and a performance by the Tallinn Police Orchestra. At approximately 12:50, a test ride will be conducted to Old City Harbour, where more surprises await. Regular tram services on the new tracks will begin on Sunday, December 1.
Tallinn Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski highlighted the importance of public transport development for the city’s growing population. “I am pleased that the multi-year project is now complete. In addition to the new tramline, we have created a modern urban space as part of the construction process.”
“This project is just one milestone on a longer and more ambitious journey. Over the next few years, we will invest more than 100 million euros to build new tramlines and almost entirely renew our rolling stock. Next year, we will begin the next tramline projects, launching the design of the Liivalaia-Kristiine and Pelguranna tramlines, set to be completed by 2029. At the same time, we are procuring new trams, trolleys, and biogas buses to make public transport a convenient alternative to private cars,” Ossinovski added.
In August 2022, the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department signed a contract with joint contractors Merko Ehitus Eesti and KMG Infra for the design and construction of the Old City Harbour tramline, connecting the harbour to Rail Baltica’s Ülemiste passenger terminal. Construction in the urban area began in spring 2023.
“Quality public transport improves people’s lives and reduces traffic congestion. Building tramlines is one of the most critical steps toward this change,” said Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere.
The project included the construction of approximately 2.5 kilometers of double tracks, tram stops, and a power substation. It also involved extensive underground utility upgrades and significant improvements to the surrounding urban infrastructure.
Deputy Mayor Kristjan Järvan emphasized the operational benefits of the new tramline. “The new route increases the reliability of Tallinn’s tram network. In the event of accidents or malfunctions, trams can now turn back toward the city center, providing greater flexibility. It also improves the capacity of tram traffic at the Hobujaama intersection. Considering the growing population of Põhja-Tallinn and the area’s narrow street network, the ability to deploy additional trams to serve the Kopli Peninsula in the future is another key benefit,” Järvan noted.
The new branch includes a left turn from the Tartu maantee tramline onto Gonsiori Street. From there, it continues via A. Laikmaa, Hobujaama, and Ahtri Streets to the harbour area. The route crosses Laeva, Kuunari, and Kai Streets near the A-terminal, proceeds along Logi Street, passes under Linnahall via Rumbi Street, and merges with the tramline connecting Viru väljak and Kopli near the Kultuurikatel.
Starting December 1, tramline No. 2 will operate on the new tracks, running initially on the route Kopli-Vanasadam-Suur-Paala. Once the Rail Baltica Ülemiste terminal is ready to accommodate trams, this line will extend to the airport.
For more details about the new tramline and its impact, visit visit tallinn.ee/en/vanasadamatramm. Updated schedules for line No. 2 will be published next week on transport.tallinn.ee and displayed at tram stops.
The construction of the Old City Harbour tramline, including VAT and supervision costs, amounted to approximately 55 million euros. The project received 36.5 million euros in funding from the European Union’s NextGenerationEU recovery fund.
Source: tallinn.ee