Old Bones Halt Road Widening Project Outside of Tartu
Construction on a segment of road in Tartu County has ground to a halt - not because of irregularities in the procurement procedure, but because of ancient potsherds.
The abundance of ceramic fragments, old firepits and animal bones points to extensive prehistoric settlement near the planned site of the Lohkva traffic circle on the Räpina road. It could take several years and over a million euros to investigate the site thoroughly.
The Heritage Board halted the work when the apparent permanent settlement was exposed after topsoil was removed on both sides of the existing road.
Lohkva, near Tartu, was found to be a prehistoric settlement back in 1990, and was accorded protection as a historical monument, but the extent of the traces has come as a surprise.
Heritage Board senior inspector Karin Vimberg said they would not block the road project altogether, but as it would inevitably destroy the archaeological site, a thorough dig and inventory would be required, lasting two years and costing an estimated 1.1 million euros.
Kristopher Rikken