Updated on 15 February 2022

Due to the rapid wear and partial detachment of the marking material applied to Tallinn’s cycle lanes, we commissioned Tallinn University of Technology in February to conduct a durability study. The study will analyse the degree of wear and the environmental impact of the material used on the cycle lanes.

The study involves representatives of the Finnish material manufacturer and the City of Tallinn. Once completed, its findings will be used to determine which material and solution should be used in the future.

Tallinn University of Technology has already begun the research, although its activities and schedule are affected by various factors, including weather conditions. The initial findings will be available in spring, by the beginning of the road-marking season.

KMG has agreed with street-cleaning companies that any marking material detached by weather conditions or mechanical wear will be removed as soon as possible after the snow and ice have melted.

13 September 2021

We hereby announce that on 30 June, we signed an agreement with the City of Tallinn for the marking of cycle lanes.

As the contractor, our task is to construct the cycle lanes in the quantities specified by the City and according to its pre-marked layouts. The main element of the solution is a textured, red road marking applied to the pavement.

We primarily use an innovative hot-applied thermoplastic material that is widely used and recognised throughout Scandinavia. For the first time in Estonia, an anti-skid marking compound is being used whose raw materials are environmentally friendly and which has therefore been classified as environmentally safe.

The compound consists mainly of calcium carbonate and various resins, including natural resins such as pine resin, as well as chemical binders and pigments. The proportion of chemical substances is safe and does not exceed any applicable environmental limits.

Compared with the cold-applied plastic materials predominantly used in the past, hot-applied thermoplastic is an innovative and more environmentally friendly solution.

The material is applied using a high-pressure method. Due to the nature of this technology, excess anti-skid mineral particles may initially spread to the area surrounding the cycle lane during application. The dispersed anti-skid particles, which consist mainly of calcium carbonate, do not contain substances classified as hazardous to health or the environment in concentrations exceeding the applicable limits. Any loose particles are collected using street-cleaning machinery.

KMG gives preference to the most environmentally friendly materials available and, as the contractor, makes every effort to ensure that the work meets the quality requirements agreed in the contract.

KMG is an infrastructure construction company whose principal activities are the production of asphalt concrete and the construction of pavements and road superstructures. The company operates a nationwide network of asphalt plants and paving equipment. It also has its own road-marking unit and a mining and blasting department. KMG employs approximately 190 people.