Daugavpils to rebuild Vienības Bridge, but heavy trucks barred from temporary crossing

The Daugavpils municipality has signed a contract for the reconstruction of the Vienības Bridge, with work expected to span two construction seasons. The project aims to restore the bridge's structure and improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Mayor Andrejs Elksniņš says the goal is not only a quality rebuild but also minimizing disruption to daily city life. For that reason, the first phase involves building a temporary bridge across the Daugava River next to the existing railway bridge. It will be a two-lane steel structure with lighting.

Construction process

Installation of the temporary bridge depends on the river's water level — if it stays sufficiently low, it could be installed this year; otherwise the work will be postponed until spring, after the flood season. Once installed, the structure will first be tested for a period without traffic load, and only after safety is confirmed will traffic be redirected onto it. The municipality says it will announce the exact timing separately.

During reconstruction, pedestrians, public transport and emergency services will still be able to cross the Vienības Bridge, with traffic controlled by traffic lights. Private vehicles will be redirected to the temporary bridge, while heavy trucks will need to use alternative routes, such as the Sventes bridge, since the temporary structure is not designed for heavy loads.

Work on the main bridge will include removing the old surface and protective concrete layer, repairing damaged deck sections, installing new waterproofing and a new roadway structure, and renewing railings, barriers, curbs and lighting. The bridge's existing supports in the river will be kept, as an underwater inspection found them technically sound.

Background

The Vienības Bridge has connected the center of Daugavpils with the Grīva district since 1935 and is one of the city's key infrastructure assets. The reconstruction is being carried out by the VBB association (companies Viadukts and Baltijas būve) for €7.2 million excluding VAT. The project is funded through a European Union fund in cooperation with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency, aiming to improve connections across the Latgale region, including dual-use infrastructure for civilian and military mobility. It must be completed by the end of December 2028.