Bridge or tunnel choice

Plans for a €325million (US$423.76million) fixed transport link project in Estonia will be presented to the country’s Government in early 2012, according to a senior road planning official. Villu Lukk, chief specialist of the Roads Administration's planning department, confirmed the submission timetable for the Saaremaa fixed link project during a recent presentation of the results of its strategic environmental assessment (SEA), conducted by 2782 WSP Finland, and endorsed by the Environmental Board. The SEA stressed the environmental benefits of a fixed link tunnel, but a bridge is considered the best financial option. The 5265 Estonian Government is expected to decide on the project in the first quarter of 2012. Earmarked to open in 2022, bridge crossers would pay a toll until 2042 at the present ship crossing rate. The EU Cohesion Fund is likely to contribute 15% of the cost of the fixed link project.