Long-awaited Bārbeles road reconstruction delayed due to worse bridge condition and bitumen price hike
The reconstruction of the Bārbele–Ozolaine road in Bauska municipality, which started this spring after decades of delays, is now facing setbacks because the bridge is in poorer condition than expected and builders are requesting compensation for rising bitumen costs.
In August last year, residents of Bauska municipality protested demanding the long-promised repair of the road between Bārbele and Ozolaine, which had been awaited for over 40 years. The reconstruction finally began this spring, but now the works are falling behind schedule.
The main issues are the bridge's technical condition, which has proven much worse than initially projected, and the sharp increase in bitumen prices. Builders are asking the authorities to cover the additional costs. As a result, the completion timeline is being pushed back, and it remains unclear when the road will be fully restored.
Local residents are frustrated by the further delay, as the road has been in poor condition for a long time. The municipality and contractors are continuing negotiations to secure extra funding for the unforeseen expenses.
