Gertrudes Street repairs in Riga to close trolleybus route 1

Major roadworks are set to begin on Gertrudes Street in Riga, Latvia, starting Monday, August 10. The repairs, focusing on the section between Aleksandra Čaka Street and Krišjāņa Barona Street, will necessitate the temporary closure of trolleybus route 1.

Passengers who rely on route 1 are advised to utilize other public transportation options. "Rīgas satiksme," the city's transport authority, noted that route 1 intersects with several other trolleybus and bus lines, including Valmieras, Avotu, Aleksandra Čaka, and Krišjāņa Barona streets, which offer connections to the city center. Additionally, bus route 20 provides an alternative, running from Pētersalas Street through the city center to the intersection of Matīsa, Avotu, and Valmieras streets, offering proximity to the original trolleybus route.

The construction will also impact vehicle parking. Restrictions will be imposed on municipal paid parking lots along Gertrudes Street. Residents with a "Resident Permit" for the affected area may face limitations in accessing their usual parking spots. While the permit allows parking in designated paid zones within the same or a lower tariff zone on the street of their residence or adjacent blocks, availability may be restricted during the construction period.

The comprehensive renovation of the Gertrudes Street section is a significant investment, with total costs reaching 1,243,373 euros, including VAT. SIA "Rīgas ūdens" is contributing 251,630 euros, while the Riga municipality is funding the remaining 991,743 euros. The construction is scheduled to commence in August and is expected to be completed within six months. The project includes the renewal of the road surface and sidewalks, aiming to preserve the historical character of Gertrudes Street, alongside improvements to the streetscape with new benches, bicycle parking, and tree plantings.