English
31.10.2024
The full-scale construction of the traffic overpass from Tvaika Street to Kundziņsala is currently underway, and the overpass is planned to be put into operation in early 2026.
“Riga had and will have a port and industrial areas, but no thought has been given to a bypass to divert freight transport, which is an integral part of the city's economic lifeblood. The Kundziņsala traffic overpass, together with the Eastern Motorway and the Daudersala traffic overpass, is part of Riga's inner ring road, making it possible to redirect freight transport from the city centre to make it more convenient and pleasant for people to live, work, recreate and carry out other daily activities. Moreover, the overpass will open up new opportunities for the city to attract investors with big scale business plans. It is good to see that the builders are working very hard - the plan to build the overpass within the next year is ambitious, but it seems to be feasible,” said Vilnis Ķirsis, Riga City Council Chairman.
Currently pile driving as well as construction of utilities, bridge abutments and spans, streets and roads is underway. The next works on traffic overpass are planned to include installation of the span structures over the Sarkandaugava.
According to the builders, the biggest challenges they are facing are related to the fact that construction takes place in confined, restricted spaces and over water, which makes it difficult to assemble the structures. Moreover, it is difficult to plan the works so as not to interfere with the operation of entities, located in the neighbouring areas, including SIA “MAN-TESS” and the Freeport of Riga. Design and maintenance of traffic schedules, provision of waiting areas, speed limit restrictions and other measures to minimise environmental impact are to be provided to address those issues.
The project is implemented in cooperation with the Freeport of Riga Authority. The municipality is implementing the construction of the traffic overpass and will ensure its functioning by constructing the Kundziņsala overpass, while the Freeport, as a cooperation partner, will develop the Kundziņsala territory part and the connection with the overpass to the trestles to and from the overpass.
Most of the construction works have already been carried out in the Kundziņsala territory for the Freeport of Riga - connecting roads, squares, retaining walls, utilities and lighting poles have been built. Most of the infrastructure of the customs control point - the sheltered area and the building - have been built, and work is currently underway on the interior decoration and installation of equipment. The estimated completion date for all works is the first half of 2025.
“Kundziņsala is now developing into an active warehousing and logistics centre, specialising mainly in containerised cargo. At the same time, several international investors have expressed interest in the vacant industrial sites in Kundziņsala, considering them as a potential location for renewable energy projects, such as wind energy or component manufacturing plants. Port terminals located at Kundziņsala currently handle more than 1,000 truck units per day,” said Edgars Sūna, Deputy CEO (Port Development) at the Freeport of Riga.
The construction project involves building an 863.5-metre-long overpass connecting Kundziņsala and Tvaika Street. The overpass will connect Tvaika Street with the public area of Kundziņsala and the industrial area of the Freeport of Riga on both banks of the Sarkandaugava tributary. It will cross three railway tracks and a surface oil pipeline at two locations, and the Sarkandaugava tributary, and according to the track layout will ensure connection to Tvaika Street and the previously constructed Daudersala overpass.
The project includes the construction of a pedestrian pavement, a network of cycle and vehicle paths with technical traffic management equipment, as well as the installation of landscaping elements. The water discharge will be provided by the reconstruction of the existing and the construction of a new storm drainage system, as well as the construction of infiltration wells or gullies.
After the construction, a new overpass will connect Tvaika Street in Sarkandaugava and the Freeport of Riga area in Kundziņsala. The new overpass will play an important role in diverting freight traffic away from the city centre by creating bypass routes (connection to the Daudersala overpass, the Eastern Motorway, the Dienvidu Bridge and Čakstes gatve). The construction of the overpass will ensure orderly environment, which will contribute to people's well-being when travelling around Kundziņsala and the Sarkandaugava area.
The total cost of the project is €82.6 million. The state budget subsidy amounts to €23 million and the state budget loan to €59.6 million. Around €36.7 million is planned to be paid this year, €38.8 million next year and around €7 million in 2026. The project is co-financed by the European Union - €4.5 million from the CF (beneficiary – the Freeport of Riga Authority).
