Süütunnel

Süütunnel is a vehicular tunnel located in the east‑central part of Estonia, near the urban outskirts of Tartu. It carries the regional road R22 through a low‑lying area that is regularly affected by spring floods. The tunnel is 420 metres long and 7 metres wide, allowing a single lane of traffic in each direction. The ceiling is constructed of reinforced concrete panels, and the roof features a drainage system that directs stormwater into adjacent culverts.

Construction of the tunnel began in 1998 and was completed in 2002, with the official opening ceremony held by the Estonian Road Administration on 15 May 2003. Funding for the project was provided jointly by the national government and the Tallinn Metropolitan Region, with a total cost of approximately €6 million. The tunnel incorporates a modern ventilation system that uses inline exhaust fans and has been upgraded to meet European Union air quality standards. Safety features include emergency exits, fire‑resistant linings, and LED illumination throughout the tunnel. Over the years, the tunnel has been inspected annually by the Estonian Transport Safety Authority to maintain compliance with road safety regulations.

Since its opening, usage statistics indicate an average daily traffic volume of about 3,000 vehicles, a reduction of approximately 15 percent in congestion on the former surface route. The tunnel has also contributed to a measurable improvement in accident rates, with a 12 percent drop in incidents compared to the five‑year period before its construction. No major incidents have been reported, and the tunnel is considered a reliable part of the Tartu transport network.