In preparation to leave his post, Latvian Minister of Transport Tālis Linkaits has listed several highly important tasks the next government must complete in the transport sector, as reported by the minister’s advisor for communication affairs.
Linkaits said the next Cabinet of Ministers needs to continue efforts to improve the road network through implementation of the country’s main long-term road development strategy. It is important, among other tasks, to finish Ķekava bypass, reconstruction of Riga bypass into a four-lane high-speed motorway, as well as complete construction of Iecava and Bauska bypass.
«To improve road traffic flow and road traffic safety, it is necessary to invest into reconstruction of the country’s main roads. The report from the European Commission indicates that only 8% of Latvia main roads meet requirements of the European Transport Network. This means it is necessary to continue reconstructing main roads into 2+2 lane motorways,» the politician says.
Linkaits’ own priority as minister was reforming the public transport system and making railway into its spine. New trains were procured for this purpose. The first five are already in Latvia, undergoing tests. The departing minister reminds that it is important to finish the certification of these trains and commission them, so that they are available in Jelgava, Tukums, Skulte and Aizkraukle as early as the first months of 2023.
Linkaits stresses it is important to continue work on enhancement of the railway network.
This is why it is necessary to complete the procurement of battery trains, prepare the Rail Baltica passenger transport model and integrate it into Riga’s and Pieriga’s public transport system.
According to him, a quick implementation of Rail Baltica project is vital to ensure Latvia’s secure connection with Europe is strategically important. Construction work at Riga Central Station and Riga International Airport is already underway. Construction of the main lane of the railway is set to commence in the second half of 2023.
Aside from two international railway stations, it is planned to establish 16 regional stations in Riga along the main Rail Baltica line. It is important to include them into the local public transport and city infrastructure, reminds the departing minister. At the same time work continues on to design and develop a two-level bridge over Daugava River near Salaspils.