The Ministry of Transport reports that in 2023 it plans to divert EUR 341.9 million or 46% of its total available funding is planned to be invested into the state road sector – road construction and maintenance work.
This year it is planned to construction roads of a total length of 632 km. The main priority is improving regional and local road infrastructure to improve local residents’ mobility.
«For a long time the funding provided towards maintenance of road infrastructure has been insufficient, and
even this year’s planned funding volume will not resolve all accumulated problems.
At the same time, we have to provide residents with high quality roads that connect villages with regional centres. Regional and local roads are my priority. We will gradually ensure their restoration. For this purpose the budget has allocated an additional EUR 11.5 million this year. Next year it is planned to invest another EUR 15 million and EUR 17 million in 2025,» says Minister of Transport Jānis Vitenbergs.
In total it is planned to invest EUR 193.1 million towards 632 km of roads in Latvia. The lion’s share of this amount (EUR 131.5 million) is funding from the state budget. EUR 61.6 million is funding provided by the European Union.
Bridge and overpass construction is planned at 19 locations. Total investments are planned at EUR 11.5 million. Here as well emphasis is put on regional and local roads.
This year there are plans for significant improvements of the bridges over Gauja River.
«To promote safe micro-mobility», the Ministry of Transport has plans to spend EUR 4.7 million on construction of pedestrian roads and roads for cyclists. This year construction work commenced on to create a cycling lane along A11 road between Liapaja and Bernati, pedestrian/cycling roads will be built along P93 between Ane and Tetele villages to Jelgava. Pedestrian and cycling lanes are also planned to be established on P14 road.
To improve road traffic safety, it is planned to implement multiple construction projects on state roads: A6, P37 and V772.
In the second half of the year it is planned to complete and commission the first public and private partnership project – Ķekava bypass. This will help motorists save time on the road and improve road traffic safety. The budget also includes funding for 139 recharging stations that will help improve mobility and provide the option to recharge electric vehicles in all of Latvia.
Also read: BNN INTERVIEW | Jānis Vitenbergs: a minister cannot work separately from the industry