According to Latvian State Roads (LVC), on the 7th of December heavy snowfall driving caused complications for motor vehicles on sections of Tallinn, Vidzeme, Liepaja and Ventspils roads.
Driving conditions are especially difficult on Vidzeme road (A2) between Vangaži and Augšlīgatne; Valmiera road (A3) between Vangaži and Brasla; Ventspils road (A10) between Ķemeri and Strazde; regional road Ventspils-Kuldiga-Saldus (P98) from Liepaja road (A9) section until Tukums and Liepaja road (A9) between the turn to Tukums and Biksti.
According to LVC, a total of 70 snow-clearing vehicles have been deployed to fix the situation. LVC reminds, however, that both the layer of snow and ice tend to form again during intense snowing. This means motorists should carefully plan their trips, pick appropriate and safe driving speed and maintain a longer distance from other road traffic participants.
The goal of road maintenance work is improving driving conditions. However, there is no way to prevent winter.
LVC also stresses that driving conditions are also complicated on other roads in Latvia, particularly Ventspils road (A10) from Usma to Ventspils, as well as various regional roads.
Latvian State Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre reports that on the 7th of December continued snowing in Latvia’s western and central regions will continue. This means the layer of snow will increase by 10-12 cm.
Snowing also reduces visibility on the road to 500-1 000 m. Roads also become slippery when it snows.
Once snowing is over, the main state roads are required to be cleared of snow within three hours. The time frame for less important and less used roads reaches 24 hours, LVC explains.