The bypass connecting the Tallinn–Luhamaa highway with the Jõhvi–Valga highway, including a new bridge, is of major importance to the city of Tartu. It will significantly reduce through traffic in the city and ease traffic volumes on Narva Highway and Riia Street.

The preliminary design included 12.9 km of 2+2 highway, 6 interchanges, adjacent and intersecting local roads and collector roads — including approximately 4 km of the Tartu Northern Bypass with a 1+1 cross-section — pedestrian and cycle paths, and 29 structures, including 7 small wildlife crossings.