Transport infrastructure improvement projects are implemented in seven state cities with the funding from the European Union (EU) Structural Funds in the 2014-2020 programming period. The projects enhance urban connectivity while improving urban environment and regional competitiveness.
More than €49.75 million of EU funding have been allocated to transport infrastructure improvement projects implemented in seven state cities. As part of the projects, new main streets are built or existing routes are developed to divert transit and cargo traffic flows from the city centre separating them from public transport flows. Up to now, 23.19 km of alternative routes have been built or existing routes have been rebuilt in Daugavpils, Jelgava, Liepāja, Rēzekne, Valmiera, Ventspils and Jēkabpils municipalities. In addition, by the end of 2023, another 3.15 km of road transport infrastructure routes to be constructed in Liepāja and Valmiera.
Connecting the Latvian urban transport infrastructure with the Trans-European network is an essential prerequisite for business development and regional competitiveness while intensive flow of transit and freight transport causes environmental and noise pollution in the urban streets.
Construction of new main streets or development of existing routes creates a high-quality transport infrastructure for transit and freight transport connecting the state cities with the European transport infrastructure. Diversion of the freight transport flow from the urban centre and the densely populated parts of the city provides benefits for the inhabitants as it makes traffic safer, reduces noise levels and air pollution.
Support for connecting urban transport infrastructure to the trans-European transport infrastructure network is planned to continue also during the 2021-2027 programming period.
The projects envisage integration of the development centres of national importance into the TEN-T network thereby ensuring effective internal connection of the parts of individual cities and the TEN-T network.
More information on EU funds and support areas for the 2014-2020 programming period on the Ministry of Transport homepage: https://www.sam.gov.lv/lv/2014-2020gada-planosanas-periods-0
TEN-T is a comprehensive EU network of railway lines, roads, inland waterways, maritime shipping routes, ports, airports and railroad terminals. The ultimate objective is to create transport infrastructure and connections that strengthen the Single Market, ensure smooth flow of goods and people, and boost development, job creation and EU competitiveness.
