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Riga Commuters Face Delays as Major Highway Construction Begins
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Drivers entering Riga from Bauska and Kekava should anticipate notable travel delays – up to 30 minutes – due to extensive construction work on the Bauska highway (A7), as reported by VSIA “Latvian State Roads” (LVC) on August 5, 2025.the project includes the construction of a new pedestrian tunnel near Krustkalni and continued work on the fourth stage of the South Bridge.
Did you know? – Construction on the A7 highway near Riga will cause delays. Motorists should plan for extra travel time. The project includes a pedestrian tunnel and road improvements.
Highway Restrictions and Traffic Management
During the construction phase, traffic on the A7 will be reduced to one lane in each direction, inevitably leading to slower speeds. LVC officials emphasize that motorists should plan for an additional 15 to 30 minutes of travel time. To mitigate congestion, drivers traveling to Riga from the Zemgale region are encouraged to explore alternative routes. These include utilizing the left bank of the Riga bypass (A5) and Latgales Street on the Daugavpils highway (A6), with options to cross via the Salaspils HPP or jelgava highway (A8) and connect to vienibas Gatvi.
Pro tip: – Consider alternate routes to avoid delays. The Riga bypass (A5) and Daugavpils highway (A6) offer options. Plan ahead and add extra travel time during construction.
The current phase of construction, initiated on monday, August 4, involves the closure of the right side of the highway near the A7 shopping center. Traffic is being diverted onto the left carriageway, operating with a single lane in each direction. This arrangement is expected to remain in effect until the end of summer 2026.
Public Transportation Adjustments
The highway work has also necessitated adjustments to public transportation routes. The “Neilandi” bus stop has been temporarily relocated 100 meters towards Kekava, with an extension added to ensure pedestrian access.The previous pedestrian crossing near the A7 shopping center has been removed and replaced with a new crossing serving the relocated stop. Moreover, the “Neilandi” stop has been eliminated for passengers traveling towards Riga, who are now advised to use the “Krustkalni” stop rather.
Reader question: – How will public transport be affected? The “Neilandi” bus stop is relocated. Passengers towards Riga should use “Krustkalni” stop. Check for updates.
Tunnel Construction and Infrastructure Improvements
A key component of the project is the construction of a pedestrian tunnel designed to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.The tunnel will be built in two stages, first closing the right side and than the left side of the Kekava-Riga carriageway. According to project specifications, the tunnel will be a monolithic reinforced concrete structure, complete with stairs and ramps connecting to existing infrastructure in both Kekava district and Riga. The tunnel itself will measure four meters wide and 2.5 meters high, featuring an asphalt concrete pavement and adhering to environmental accessibility standards.
In addition to the tunnel, the project includes the reconstruction of the asphalt concrete pavement for both carri
