Riga is poised for a major infrastructure overhaul this season, with over 300 million euros planned for improvements to roads, pedestrian areas, and cycling routes. The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday, delivered by Kristaps Kauliņš, Director of Riga City Council’s External Affairs and Mobility Department.
Extensive Projects Planned
The planned investment encompasses both ongoing projects slated for completion this year and new initiatives set to begin. Key projects include finishing the fourth stage of the Southern Bridge, as well as the Zemitānu and Kundziņsalas traffic overpasses. Work is too scheduled to begin on the Vanšu Bridge, Gaisa Bridge, and Altonava Street traffic overpass.
More than 200 separate construction sites will see activity throughout the city. Three new bicycle routes are planned: from Imanta to Piņķi, from Pļavnieki to the Ropaži region, and along Mūkusalas Street towards Ķekava. Improvements to pedestrian infrastructure, asphalt resurfacing, and surface treatment of smaller streets are also included in the plans.
Challenges Ahead
Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs acknowledged that rising oil prices pose a significant challenge to the budget, potentially increasing construction costs. He indicated that some contracts already include cost indexing, while solutions will be sought for others.
Marta Kotello, Chairwoman of the Riga City Council’s Transport and Traffic Affairs Committee, emphasized the importance of pedestrian and cyclist safety, noting that an additional two million euros have been allocated to improve safety measures. At least 30 new pedestrian crossings are planned, with improvements also slated for existing crossings at locations including Liepājas, Ūnijas, Juglas, and Zvejnieku streets.
Road resurfacing is scheduled to begin in late April and May, impacting over 343,000 square meters of road and sidewalk across Riga, including major streets like Ģertūdes iela, Uzvaras bulvāris, and Aristīda Briāna iela. Work will also grab place in Imanta, Dzirciems, Šampēteris, Jaunciems, Jugla, Dārziņi, and Kundziņsala, among other areas.
Cycling and Mobility Improvements
This year will also see the completion of three regional and city-level bicycle routes: Riga-Ulbroka, Riga-Ķekava, and Riga-Babīte-Piņķi. Further improvements include pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on Granīta iela, bike lanes on Dzirnavu iela, and a bicycle path connecting Centrs, Ķengarags, Rumbula, and Dārziņi. Work will continue on the development of 15 mobility points, with the “Zemitāni” project nearing completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the construction work begin?
Active construction work will begin as soon as the air temperature stabilizes, according to Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs.
What types of projects are included in the infrastructure plan?
The plan includes projects related to roads, pedestrian areas, cycling routes, and traffic overpasses, as well as improvements to existing infrastructure.
How is the city addressing concerns about rising construction costs?
Some construction contracts already include cost indexing, and the city will seek solutions for contracts that do not, according to Mayor Kleinbergs.
As Riga prepares for this extensive period of construction, residents may want to consider how these improvements could impact their daily commutes and travel plans.
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