The investment, made in cooperation with DEPO, Lidl and Moller Auto, was for the reconstruction of major traffic junctions in Riga, on the section of Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve between Lielā iela, Lielirbes iela, Upesgrīvas iela and Jaunmoku iela which was completed in November 2024.
The project has significantly improved traffic solutions at an important interchange connecting Riga with Mārupe, the airport and Kurzeme. During the redevelopment, traffic lights and crossings for pedestrians and cyclists were installed directly linking Lielirbes iela to Lielā iela and Upesgrīvas iela to Jaunmoku iela. Additional traffic lanes were added, roads surfaces renewed, and infrastructure created for four bus stops on existing and future public transport routes.
“For 15 years we have worked alone, pushing for comprehensive traffic connections between Riga and Mārupe. We were happy that our new neighbours were cooperating and interested in the development of the surrounding area. By joining forces and working together, we managed to convince the city authorities, and by pooling our financial resources – to also rebuild both junctions, making them more convenient and safer for all users. I have had several conversations with residents of the surrounding houses on the Mārupe and Bieriņi side, who previously would not let their children cross Ulmaņa gatve to the Rimi or Maxima stores (Lidl has also just opened there) because it was too dangerous. This is no longer the case,” says Romāns Astahovs, managing director of Vastint Latvia.
The total cost of the privately funded project is €7.3 million, with Vastint Latvia being the second-largest investor after DEPO. The reconstruction has improved transport connections on Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve and made it possible for all users to cross the arterial road quickly, comfortably, and safely on their way from Mārupe to Rīga or vice versa. The intersections are equipped with intelligent traffic lights, which further improve traffic safety by detecting speeding and other violations.
“Of the several options we have considered over the years, the scenario we chose is the best one. The increase in street capacity has been demonstrated in a dedicated traffic flow modelling study. In order to cater for pedestrians, cyclists and people with reduced mobility, the crossings have been designed to be all at the same level and step-free. The conclusion from the traffic flow modelling was that traffic lights with pedestrian and bicycle crossings were the optimal solution – the time taken up by the traffic lights is compensated by the additional lanes,” says Roberts Grīnfelds, project manager at Vastint Latvia.
The solutions implemented will moreover significantly maintain accessibility in Mārupe and the adjacent neighborhoods of Riga, when the railway crossing at Liepājas iela will be closed during the implementation of the Rail Baltica project.
Participation in this public infrastructure development project financed by private investors demonstrates Vastint Latvia’s responsible approach to business, ensuring the creation of long-term value not only for users of its projects but also for the broader neighborhood.