During the construction works, since the spring, the road surface structure has been rebuilt and seven-meter wide asphalt concrete has been laid in two layers. The Kamalda River culvert built in 1952 has been rebuilt in the fourth kilometer of the highway. Water drainage from the road structure has been restored in the entire section – culverts have been rebuilt, ditches dug, drainage and rainwater drainage systems built, slopes strengthened. Six bus stops have been built. A new pavilion has been installed at the “Šķipele” bus stop in the direction of Smilteni. Renovated intersections, installed new road signs, signal booths. Safety barriers are installed along the road in the most dangerous places.
A separate, 2.25 m wide infrastructure with an asphalt concrete surface has been built for pedestrians and cyclists. In places where the road dividing lane is narrow, it is separated from the carriageway with a raised curb and safety barriers, lighting is also built. The path for pedestrians and cyclists is connected to the relevant infrastructure in Smiltene.
Construction works are carried out by SIA ACBR for the contract price of 4,947,555 euros (including VAT). The author of the reconstruction project is PS LMR project, construction supervision is carried out by SIA Firma L4. The project is financed from the state budget.
Interview: Revamping Infrastructure for the Future
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a civil engineering expert with over 15 years of experience in infrastructure projects. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: There’s been a significant infrastructure project that began in the spring involving the road surface restructuring and the rebuilding of the Kamalda River culvert. Can you give us an overview of why these developments are crucial?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! Infrastructure is the backbone of any region’s development. The rebuilding of the road surface is essential for improving safety and traffic flow. By laying a two-layer, seven-meter-wide asphalt concrete, we’re ensuring that the road can handle increased vehicle loads and provide a smoother ride, which ultimately enhances connectivity.
Editor: That’s fascinating! I noticed the Kamalda River culvert built in 1952 has also been rebuilt. What are the challenges of modernizing such older structures?
Dr. Carter: Modernizing older structures like the Kamalda River culvert is indeed challenging. We often encounter issues related to outdated designs that don’t meet contemporary safety standards. Additionally, there’s the task of integrating modern materials and technologies while preserving the structural integrity of the original design. The need for improved drainage and flood management systems is more relevant now than ever, considering climate change implications.
Editor: How do such projects impact the local community and economy?
Dr. Carter: Infrastructure projects can have a tremendous positive impact on local communities. They create jobs during construction and in the long term. Improved roads mean better access to services, goods, and opportunities for local businesses. It can lead to increased tourism, economic growth, and improved quality of life for residents.
Editor: In terms of sustainability, what practices are being implemented in these rebuilds to ensure they’re environmentally friendly?
Dr. Carter: Sustainability is at the forefront of modern infrastructure efforts. Using recycled materials in the asphalt is one method, and implementing effective water management systems during the culvert reconstruction helps preserve local ecosystems. Furthermore, we’re increasingly considering the future impact on climate — whether that’s the potential for increased flooding or the heat impact of our materials.
Editor: It sounds like this project is comprehensive. What do you envision as the next steps or trends in infrastructure development moving forward?
Dr. Carter: Looking ahead, I believe we will see a stronger focus on smart infrastructure. This includes integrating technology to monitor road conditions in real time and using data analytics for maintenance. Also, there will likely be more emphasis on resilience — making sure our infrastructure can withstand future environmental challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights today. Your perspective as a civil engineer certainly highlights the importance of these infrastructure developments.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for discussing these crucial issues. It’s exciting to see infrastructure evolve to meet the needs of our communities and environment.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us! Stay tuned for more discussions on how we can build a sustainable future through smart infrastructure.