The Kernu–Päädeva preliminary design was the first large-scale value-based design procurement in Estonia.

In addition to the main highway, the extensive preliminary design covered collector roads and interchanges, bridges and viaducts, pedestrian and cyclist tunnels, an ecoduct and wildlife crossings, as well as stormwater drainage, lighting, communications and other specialist engineering systems. A total of 15 major structures were designed.

In a value-based procurement, the outcome was determined not only by the tender price, but also by the competence of the project team and the quality of the proposed approach. For a large and multidisciplinary project of this scale, this required close collaboration between different design disciplines and the integration of road, structural, environmental and utility solutions into a coherent whole.

The quality of the project was also recognised by the Estonian Transport Administration, which named Roadplan the Best Road Designer of 2025 for the Kernu–Päädeva preliminary design. The recognition highlighted the high quality of the design, strong coordination between disciplines, thorough assessment of risks and excellent collaboration.

The preliminary design was completed in March 2026.