English
Construction of the overpass from Tvaika Street to Kundziņsala in Riga is underway, and the project has reached the final stage of construction. On Tuesday, June 16, load testing of the overpass was started, which is one of the most important stages of construction before the project is commissioned.
The overpass from Tvaika Street to Kundziņsala is one of the most significant transportation infrastructure projects in Riga, which will improve access to Kundziņsala and the industrial areas of the Freeport of Riga, while ensuring more convenient and safer travel for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chairman of the Riga City Council, emphasized: “This project is very important for Riga, as it will significantly mitigate traffic congestion once the necessary work on the Freeport side is completed. Thus heavy vehicles will be routed directly to Kundziņsala, reducing the flow of freight traffic on the city’s streets. In my opinion, this is also a good example of our commitment to promoting the development of the Freeport of Riga and supporting export-oriented, innovative, and high-value-added business. Today we saw how the new infrastructure will function in practice and what its traffic volume will be. I hope that by this fall, there will already be high intensity motor vehicle traffic flowing across this bridge.”
“The Port of Riga’s territory on Kundziņsala is currently experiencing dynamic growth, emerging as the new center of the Port of Riga. In the coming years, at least seven new companies - cargo terminals, logistics centers, energy companies, and smart manufacturing facilities - will begin operations on Kundziņsala. Development on this scale is unimaginable without an effective connection to the city’s and the country’s transportation networks. The new overpass will make it possible to create an even more attractive business environment on Kundziņsala, where sustainable energy, modern industry, and smart logistics can all thrive side by side,” said Ansis Zeltiņš, the Freeport of Riga CEO, emphasizing the importance of the new transport link.
“Load tests are one of the most critical and important stages in the construction of an overpass, as they ensure that the structure fully complies with the designed safety and quality standards. This stage combines precise engineering work, careful measurements, and the contribution of the entire project team. We are pleased that construction has reached its final phase and that very soon this infrastructure project will serve the residents of Riga, businesses, and will boost the port’s development,” emphasized Aleksejs Bakanovs, the Board Member of SIA “Hanza Construction Group,” which is the Lead Partner of the general partnership “RK link.”
Currently, the main part of construction work at the site has been completed. The overpass and trestle structures have been built, the top layer of asphalt pavement has been laid across nearly the entire 863.5-meter-long civil engineering structure, and most of the transportation infrastructure envisaged in the project has been constructed. Since the beginning of June, nearly 2,000 metric tons of asphalt have been laid on the overpass’s top layer of asphalt pavement. Asphalt paving work is currently continuing on Tvaika Street and on the newly constructed road network in the area adjacent to the overpass.
The project involves the construction of a new connection between Tvaika Street, Kundziņsala, and the territory of the Freeport of Riga. The new bridge crosses the Sarkandaugava tributary, three railroad tracks, and an above-ground oil pipeline, connecting to the previously constructed Daudersala Overpass.
The overpass will feature two lanes in each direction, as well as infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. The project includes the construction of sidewalks, elevators, and stairs; the installation of traffic control equipment; the construction of a stormwater drainage system; and landscaping of the area.
Load testing of the overpass is one of the final and most critical stages of the construction process. During these tests, up to eight trucks, each with a gross weight of 30 metric tons, are positioned on the trestles to test the structure’s load-bearing capacity and compliance with the design specifications. At the same time, engineers take precise measurements to evaluate how the structure behaves under various loads. The test results will confirm the structure’s readiness for the next stages of commissioning.
In parallel with the load tests at the site, construction of the traffic management infrastructure, installation of barrier systems, and landscaping work are ongoing.
Due to the complexity of the project and the objective technical circumstances that have arisen during construction, the deadline for completion of construction work has been extended to October 8, 2026. Once all construction work and necessary inspections are completed, the overpass is scheduled to be commissioned and officially opened this fall.
The Kundziņsala Overpass will significantly improve traffic flow and access to the port and industrial areas, as well as promote the development of Riga’s transportation infrastructure and business environment.
Construction work is being carried out by the general partnership “RK link,” which consists of SIA “Binders,” SIA “TILTS,” and SIA “Hanza Construction Group.”
The total cost of the project is 82.6 million euros. The state budget grant amounts to 23 million euros, while the state budget loan amounts to 59.6 million euros. The project is co-financed by European Union funds - Cohesion Fund (CF) financing amounts to 4.5 million euros (the beneficiary is the the Freeport of Riga Authority).
Information prepared by: External Communications Division, Communication Department, Riga City Council
