The routes of tram lines 5 and 7 are planned to be reconstructed by the end of 2023, improving accessibility
Published: 01.03.2021
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On Monday, 1 March, at a meeting, members of the Riga City Council’s Committee on Transport and Transportation Affairs approved the municipality’s participation in the project “Adapting Riga’s tram infrastructure to the parameters of low-floor trams”, which provides for the reconstruction of the routes of tram lines 5 and 7 by the end of 2023, adapting them for low-floor tram operations and improving accessibility.
“The municipality’s participation in this project is an important step in modernising Riga’s public transport infrastructure. By reconstructing these tram lines, which are among the busiest in Riga, both residents’ mobility will be improved—making travel faster and more convenient—and accessibility will be significantly enhanced. Stop platforms will become more convenient for older people, people with reduced mobility and mothers with prams. Therefore, it is particularly important to submit the project application as soon as possible so that the work can begin this year without delay,” emphasised Olafs Pulks, Chair of the Committee on Transport and Transportation Affairs.
The planned cost of reconstructing the infrastructure of tram route 7 is €34.21 million, while the planned cost of reconstructing the infrastructure of tram route 5 is €8.96 million.
It has already been reported that the project envisages modernising tram route 7 on the section from Ausekļa Circle to Radio Circle and from the Central Market to the terminus “Ķengarags”. To ensure the benefits of low-floor trams and accessibility for every passenger, the platforms at several stops are to be reconstructed and raised. Along an approximately 8.6-kilometre-long section, the overhead contact line will be adapted for low-floor trams and the cable network will be replaced, increasing the power supply capacity.
The project also provides for the reconstruction of infrastructure along approximately 2 kilometres of tram route 5, from the intersection of Slokas Street and Jūrmalas Gatve to the terminus “Iļģuciems”, adapting the tram line to the requirements of low-floor trams and constructing platforms at stops along the route that comply with accessibility requirements. The reconstruction of the tracks on the section of Slokas Street from its intersection with Pulka Street to its intersection with Jūrmalas Gatve is also planned for tram route 5.
With the aim of shortening the time needed to cross the intersection and thereby reducing traffic congestion, the Riga tram infrastructure modernisation project also provides for the reconstruction of the tracks at the intersection of 11 November Embankment and 13 January Street. A switch control system will be installed, increasing the safety of tram operations and enabling remote control of the switches.
The indicative total cost of the project to adapt Riga’s tram infrastructure for low-floor trams is planned at €43 million, of which €36 million is expected to be provided by the European Union Cohesion Fund and €7.82 million as co-financing. The project implementation period has been set until the end of 2023.
Author
Public Relations Department of the Riga City Council
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