27-04-2015
Riga has set an ambitious goal - to become a European metropolis. This project will be implemented in stages, which can take fifteen years and will reach millions of euros. One of the steps - the development of the new district of Skanstes street.
The state in this part of the city, which, largely thanks to private developers began to grow rapidly in the pre-crisis years, is planning the construction of capital facilities - a Grand concert hall and a modern Congress centre and the Museum of modern art.
Last week, April 21, Riga city Council approved the investment plan for the next two years. It is known that on the street Skanstes needs to lay tram tracks. The supposed route through the neighborhood Skanste will connect the 5th (on the street Paterculus) and 6 tram routes (on Brivibas street).
This project will be completed within 7 years.
Funds from European Union are already aimed for these purposes, including the purchase of new low-floor trams. The total amount of sum is about 76 million euros. The rest of the project financing cost will be assumed to a municipal enterprise “Rīgas satiksme”.
The Head of Strategic Management Board at Riga City Council City Development Department, Armands Krūze, says, that in the future it is proposed to change current development plan to build a tram line to Drejlini. New continuation of the route along the street Skanste is still at the level of ideas: in the future tram could be heading into the most densely populated districts of the capital city of Riga - Purvciems and Plavnieki, then goes along the Deglava bridge, and then will be connected to the highway of the South Bridge.
Tram - the most environmentally friendly mode of transport. In future the priority will be given to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as public transport.
This millions of euros worth project is without a doubt one of the most significant infrastructure projects to have ever been undertaken in Riga, which, over the years to come, will help to transform what is already one of the country's core regional cities into a location with international prominence.
