Extensive traffic restrictions will take effect during the Ventspils City Festival to ensure safe, convenient, and peaceful celebrations for residents and visitors alike, according to the Ventspils City Municipality and event organizers. Authorities urge the public to review the planned transportation changes in advance as closures affect multiple streets across the city.
Street Closures and Timing From July 31 to August 2
Vehicle traffic will be completely blocked in several designated zones starting ahead of the main weekend events. Skolas Street from Katrīna Street to Zvanu Street, Tirgus Street from Pils Street to Ostas Street, and Skārņu Street will be closed from 5:00 a.m. on July 31 until 2:00 a.m. on August 2, based on the official municipal schedule.
Additional closures take effect on August 1. Ostas Street in its entirety, along with adjacent streets stretching from the Ferry Terminal to the intersection of Ostas Street and Pils Street, will close at 5:00 a.m. on August 1 and remain shut until 2:00 a.m. on August 2. Pāvila Street between Ganību Street and Kuldīgas Street will close on August 1 from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Sofijas Street between Kuldīgas Street and Pils Street, alongside Akmeņu Street in its entirety, will close on August 1 from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Parade Route Restrictions on August 1
The festive parade on August 1 necessitates rolling closures and specific staging arrangements across major thoroughfares. Lielais Prospekt and its intersecting streets between Vasarnīcu Street and Brīvības Street will close to traffic from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Kuldīgas Street at the intersection from Pāvila Street to Lielais Prospekt will experience the same closure window.
Earlier restrictions begin at 9:30 a.m. and run through 12:00 p.m. along Pētera Street between Vasarnīcu Street and Saules Street, Lielais Prospekt between Poruka Street and Vasarnīcu Street, Poruka Street between Lielais Prospekt and Inženieru Street, and Vasarnīcu Street between Kroņa Street and Inženieru Street. Prior to the parade, participants and logistics transport will line up on the right side of the Vasarnīcu Street roadway, while the opposite side remains open to traffic under the supervision of the Municipal Police and State Police.
Brīvības Street between Strēlnieku Street and Jūras Street will also close from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., though motorists approaching via Lielais Prospekt from the Pārventa side will retain permission to make a right turn at the Brīvības Street intersection.
Did You Know? The Ventspils City Municipality has coordinated multi-agency traffic control involving both the Municipal Police and State Police to manage the large influx of participants and spectators during the annual city celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the earliest traffic closures begin?
Traffic closures begin on July 31 at 5:00 a.m. on Skolas Street, Tirgus Street, and Skārņu Street.
Which authorities are regulating the parade traffic?
Traffic during the parade staging and procession will be regulated by the Municipal Police and State Police.
What exceptions exist for motorists during the Brīvības Street parade closure?
Motorists driving along Lielais Prospekt from the Pārventa side will be allowed to make a right turn at the Brīvības Street intersection during the closure period.
How will these temporary transit adjustments affect your travel plans across Ventspils this weekend?
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