Bauska Sticks With Plan for Two-Way Traffic on Pilskalna Street, Asks Residents to Weigh In Again

Bauska Municipality has not dropped its plan to introduce two-way traffic on Pilskalna Street in the town of Bauska, even though residents previously raised objections. Until 27 November, residents are asked to choose one of three street sections for the change in a survey. The municipality says the aim is to ease congestion in the town centre and relieve Kalna, Zaļo, Uzvaras and Zemgaļu streets.

Survey and objections

The options are the section from Kraujas Street to Brīvības Street–Brīvības Boulevard, to Skolas Street, or to Parka Street. People can take part through the mobile app "Bauskas novads" or an online form. The municipality will then compile the answers and make a decision.

The survey call sparked wide discussion on Facebook. Some commenters point out that it offers no option to vote against the change or to propose another variant. Others fear congestion will simply shift to other intersections, worry about the safety of children and pedestrians, and ask whether more traffic would hinder fire engines leaving the State Fire and Rescue Service depot on Skolas Street. Some residents, however, think two-way traffic has long been needed.

Design and procurement

The municipality considers that, after the street was rebuilt in 2021 and 2022, its width and load-bearing capacity allow two-way traffic. Heavy vehicles will not be permitted, and speed limits and traffic-calming measures are planned. A procurement covering both design and construction, announced over the summer, failed because no bidder applied. It was split into two parts. The design contract's deadline is 15 December, after which implementation timelines can be decided.

Road Traffic Safety Directorate audit

An audit by the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) this spring concluded that the street's width allows two-way traffic, but several safety problems at junctions and near pedestrian crossings must be fixed first. The auditors consider the section from Kraujas to Parka Street optimal. They recommend raised junctions with speed humps, special lighting at crossings and changes to the parking at Pilskalna Street 40. The auditors also questioned the municipality's figure of about 5,000 cars per day, noting that the municipality has no traffic intensity data. They add that the planned Bauska bypass should be taken into account.