Flickr
The reconstruction of the Vanšu Bridge will start in autumn 2027, and until then no significant traffic restrictions are expected. Having assessed several solutions for ensuring traffic during the reconstruction, it was concluded that the most optimal solution is the construction of a temporary bridge, therefore the Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs tasked the Department of Outdoors and Mobility to start the necessary work for its installation.
“The Vanšu Bridge is one of the most important arteries of traffic in Riga and Latvia as a whole, so our task is not only to rebuild it qualitatively, but also to ensure that urban traffic does not stop during construction works. And until the temporary bridge is installed, I will not allow the traffic to close. In order to fulfil this task, close cooperation between Riga and the state is necessary, because here there is an opportunity to find a solution from which both sides benefit. I have already discussed this issue with the Minister of Transport, I will go to the Saeima this week, I will meet with the Minister of Finance, and I have sent a letter to the Prime Minister inviting him to meet and agree on cooperation. If we can buy a structure for approximately the same amount as we would spend on renting a bridge, which then remains at the disposal of the state, this is a more economically justified solution and an investment not only in Riga traffic, but in the resilience of Latvia as a whole," says Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chairman of Riga City Council.
The lease of a temporary bridge could cost up to EUR 20 million, while a prefabricated bridge complying with EU and NATO standards can be purchased for an equivalent amount, which would remain at the disposal of the state for civil-military needs after the rebuilding of the Vanšu Bridge. Therefore, the municipality considers the acquisition of the bridge rather than the lease to be more economically justified.
Around 55,000 to 60,000 vehicles cross the bridge during working days and around 4,500 vehicles during peak hours. 759 ‘Rīgas satiksme’ public transport flights also cross the bridge every working day, carrying more than 20 000 passengers, which is why the municipality is already carrying out a detailed study of traffic flows.
‘Currently, at more than 50 crossings, we record traffic flows and model the necessary changes in the operation of traffic lights and traffic organisation, as well as plan to use the data of mobile operators to prepare additional public transport options together with “Rīgas satiksme” and passenger train carriers in a timely manner. At the same time, fulfilling the task assigned by the Mayor, we will start the necessary activities in order to be able to build a temporary bridge during the reconstruction of the Vanšu Bridge," says Kristaps Kauliņš, Director of the Department of Outdoor Space and Mobility of Riga Municipality.
Preparation of the project for the reconstruction of the Vanšu Bridge takes place for several years. A minimum building design was developed in 2023 and 2024, a design and construction procurement was carried out in 2025, and a contract was concluded in 2026 and the development of the building design started on 18 March. Design and construction expertise will continue until mid-2027. The project will be implemented in three phases: First, in the first half of 2027, it is planned to restore the shore reinforcements, then rebuild the section of Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street from Kronvalda Boulevard to Vanšu Bridge, and at the end of 2027, start rebuilding the Vanšu Bridge itself. The works are planned to be completed in the second half of 2029.
