Riga is entering a busy construction season, with extensive roadwork planned across the city throughout 2026. Projects range from major infrastructure overhauls to street resurfacing at over 30 locations, aiming to improve mobility, traffic safety, and the overall quality of urban life.
Infrastructure Projects Underway
Several significant infrastructure projects are already in progress. The reconstruction of the Jorģa Zemitāna Bridge continues, alongside the construction of a traffic overpass on Tvaika Iela–Kundziņsala, and the fourth phase of the Dienvidu (Southern) Bridge construction. Contracts have been signed for the design and construction of the Vanšu Bridge, with the design phase now underway, and a competition has been announced for the design of the Gaisa (Air) Bridge reconstruction.
Riga City Council Chairman Viesturs Kleinbergs stated, “Today marks the start of the active construction season, and with warmer weather, we will see more roadwork throughout the city. This will undoubtedly cause inconvenience, but the result will be worth it, as we will soon be able to move faster and safer in many areas. We are closely coordinating planning and communication with parties like “Rīgas ūdeni” to ensure the work proceeds smoothly. We are also working to ensure residents are informed about work in their neighborhoods.”
Focus on Pedestrian Safety
The 2026 budget prioritizes traffic safety improvements, particularly for pedestrians. Plans include building new and upgrading existing pedestrian crossings with additional lighting, markings, and safety islands at 24 locations, including Liepājas, Ūnijas, Juglas, and Zvejnieku ielas, as well as the intersections of Valdeķu and Irbenes ielas.
Marta Kotello, Chair of the Riga City Council’s Transport and Communications Committee, emphasized, “Every year, around 15 vulnerable road users – pedestrians and cyclists – lose their lives on Riga’s roads. While it’s impossible to reverse this statistic in a single year, investing in traffic safety improvements will create Riga a safer and more people-friendly city.”
Road Resurfacing and Infrastructure Development
As weather improves, road resurfacing work will commence in late April and May, planned for over 30 locations. These include major roads and smaller streets in areas such as Imanta, Dzirciems, Šampēteris, Jaunciems, Jugla, Dārziņi, Dārzciems, and Kundziņsala. Work will affect traffic flow in some areas, with over 343,000 square meters of road and sidewalk surfaces scheduled for renewal, including sections of Ģertūdes iela, Uzvaras bulvāris, and Aristīda Briāna iela.
The city is also developing its cycling infrastructure, with plans to complete three regional and city-level routes: “Rīga – Ulbroka,” “Rīga – Ķekava,” and “Rīga – Babīte – Piņķi.” Additional improvements include pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on Granīta iela, bike lanes on Dzirnavu iela, and a bike path along the “Centrs – Ķengarags – Rumbula – Dārziņi” route.
Work on the development of mobility hubs will also continue, with construction to be completed at all 15 locations this year, and the largest project, “Zemitāni,” nearing completion.
Participatory Budgeting and Community Initiatives
Riga is also actively implementing participatory budgeting projects, allowing residents to decide how a portion of the municipal budget is spent. This year’s initiatives include projects such as “Light for Safe Zasulauks and Šampēteris,” a sports field in Iļģuciems, a market for Grīziņkalns, a pump track in Bolderāja, and a sports field on Stirnu iela.
The road resurfacing and improvement work will continue throughout the construction season, potentially lasting until late autumn, weather permitting. Residents are advised to expect traffic restrictions that may affect cars, public transport, micromobility devices, and pedestrians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major infrastructure projects are currently underway in Riga?
The reconstruction of the Jorģa Zemitāna Bridge, construction of a traffic overpass on Tvaika Iela–Kundziņsala, the fourth phase of the Dienvidu Bridge construction, and the design and construction phases of the Vanšu Bridge are all ongoing.
How is the city prioritizing pedestrian safety?
The city plans to build new and upgrade existing pedestrian crossings with additional lighting, markings, and safety islands at 24 locations throughout Riga.
When will the road resurfacing work begin?
Road resurfacing work is scheduled to begin in late April and May and will continue throughout the construction season, potentially lasting until late autumn.
How will these construction projects impact daily commutes for Riga residents?
