Jēkabpils’ reconstructed protective dam has been recognized with the highest honor at the Latvian Construction Year Award 2025, receiving the “Grand Prix” in the “Engineering Structure – Reconstruction” category. The award, announced on March 18, 2026, acknowledges the significant and high-quality work undertaken to bolster the security and sustainable development of the Jēkabpils region. This project, crucial for flood defense along the Daugava River, represents a major investment in the area’s infrastructure and long-term resilience.
The Jēkabpils dam reconstruction project wasn’t undertaken in isolation. The Latvian Construction Year Award recognizes a collaborative effort involving numerous professionals and organizations. Jēkabpils City Council expressed its gratitude to all those involved, including project designers Agris Teivens and Haralds Gailums from “Meliorprojekts,” architect Laura Lāce, landscape architect Sintija Neparte, construction company “Jēkabpils PMK,” construction supervisor “Firma L4,” and the dedicated specialists within the Jēkabpils municipality.
Strengthening Flood Defenses in Jēkabpils
The Daugava River, Latvia’s longest river, has historically posed a flood risk to Jēkabpils. The dam’s reconstruction was therefore a critical undertaking to mitigate this risk and protect the city and surrounding areas from potential damage. Brīvā Daugava reports that the project aimed to modernize the existing infrastructure and enhance its capacity to withstand extreme weather events. The award signifies the success of these efforts.
Award Ceremony and Recognition
The “Latvijas Būvniecības Gada balva 2025” (Latvian Construction Year Award 2025) ceremony took place on March 17, 2026, in Riga, bringing together leading professionals, representatives from state institutions, entrepreneurs, architects, designers, and developers. Jēkabpils City Council confirmed that Jēkabpils novada domes priekšsēdētājs (chairman of Jēkabpils district council) Raivis Ragainis, and his deputy Kārlis Stars, attended the ceremony alongside the professionals who contributed to the project’s success.
Key Contributors to the Project
The successful completion of the Jēkabpils dam reconstruction relied on the expertise of a diverse team. “Meliorprojekts,” led by designers Agris Teivens and Haralds Gailums, played a crucial role in the project’s planning and design phases. Architect Laura Lāce and landscape architect Sintija Neparte contributed to the aesthetic integration of the dam into the surrounding environment. “Jēkabpils PMK” handled the physical construction, while “Firma L4” provided essential construction supervision. The Jēkabpils municipality’s specialists ensured the project aligned with local needs and regulations.
Other Jēkabpils Projects Nominated
The Jēkabpils dam wasn’t the only project from the region to receive recognition in the Latvian Construction Year Award 2025. Jēkabpils Laiks reported that the reconstruction of Jaunā iela (New Street) and the Jēkabpils bus station were also nominated for awards. These nominations highlight the ongoing investment in infrastructure improvements within the Jēkabpils region. The Jaunā iela project was undertaken by Ošukalns, with supervision from KEM, while the bus station reconstruction involved Arhilacis as the designer and Ošukalns celtniecība as the builder, supervised by Preiļu celtnieks.
The Latvian Construction Year Award 2025 saw a total of 130 projects submitted, demonstrating a vibrant construction and economic landscape across Latvia. Projects from Līvāni, including a production building reconstruction and a disaster management center, were also among the nominees.
The Jēkabpils dam reconstruction serves as a model for infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing regional safety and sustainability. The award underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and skilled professionals in delivering successful outcomes. The Jēkabpils municipality will continue to provide updates on infrastructure projects and their impact on the community.
As Jēkabpils continues to invest in its infrastructure, residents and visitors can expect further improvements to the city’s resilience and quality of life. The next scheduled update regarding ongoing infrastructure projects is expected in June 2026, as outlined in the Jēkabpils municipality’s development plan. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this important project and its impact on the community.
