Reconstruction of the Kopli tramway
In total, 16 kilometres of the tramway were reconstructed, from Viru Square to the Kopli depot. The rails were moved to a concrete base and the overhead line and electricity towers were replaced. On the section between Suur Rannavärav and the Baltic Station, the tramway was moved closer to the Skoone Bastion in consideration of the potential closure of Rannavärava Street to car traffic. Three traction substations were fitted with new equipment. At the Viru Roundabout, the new vision for the central street of Tallinn was taken into account. Waiting platforms and shelters were installed at all stops. Road junctions were made safer by installing traffic lights and redesigning traffic logistics solutions. The Kopli tram depot was given parking facilities for new CAF Urbos trams.
The work was carried out according to the following schedule:
Stage 1:
- On 1 June 2016, tram traffic was closed between the Viru Roundabout and Kopli.
- From 1 June to 31 August 2016, construction work was carried out on the section between the Viru Roundabout and Suur-Rannavärav Street.
- Between 1 June and 31 August 2016, a temporary balloon loop was constructed next to the Baltic Station.
- On 1 September 2016, tram traffic was restored between the Viru Roundabout and the temporary balloon loop.
Stage 2:
- The construction of the new tramway next to the Skoone Bastion from Suur-Rannavärav Street to the temporary balloon loop at the Baltic Station took place in the summer of 2017, as the work depended on the preparations required for the display of the retaining wall of the moat.
Stage 3:
- September 2016 to October 2017: construction of the tramway from the Baltic Station to the Kopli depot.
- Spring to autumn 2017: reconstruction of the Kopli depot.
The total cost of the project was around 20 million euros.
