New overpass opens for traffic entering Riga from Jelgava direction
Riga has changed traffic flow on Jāņa Čakstes gatve from today, directing vehicles over a newly built overpass and opening a new roundabout beneath it. Several access routes and turning rules have also changed around the Aleja shopping centre and nearby streets.
Starting today, significant changes have been made to traffic organisation on Jāņa Čakstes gatve in Riga, according to the Riga City Council's External Communication Department. Traffic in both directions – towards Riga and towards Jelgava – will be routed over the newly built overpass. A new roundabout underneath the overpass has also been opened for vehicles.
Entering Riga will no longer take place around the Aleja shopping centre; the road behind the centre will now be reserved only for delivery vehicles. On the Tīraine side, traffic is organised according to the project solution – a left turn towards the railway is no longer allowed. Drivers who need to go that way must turn right and use the roundabout under the Čakstes gatve overpass. Tīraines Street now has two-way traffic, and access to it is possible via a temporary connection at Siltuma Street.
Traffic organisation is also changing at the intersection of Ozolciema Street and Vienības gatve. The previous roundabout will no longer be used, and a turning area for vehicles has been set up on Vienības gatve. Access to the Aleja shopping centre parking lot will be provided through a temporary connection from Vienības gatve, while the entrance from Ozolciema Street will be closed. On Mežkalna Street, the previous traffic arrangement remains in place, with traffic using the roundabout on Ozolciema Street.
The construction of Jāņa Čakstes gatve is divided into two stages. The first stage, from Valdeķu Street to Ziepniekkalna Street, is being carried out by the DTTB joint venture (SIA Binders and SIA Tilts). The second stage, from Vienības gatve to Valdeķu Street, is being carried out by SIA ACBR. Both sections are planned to open to traffic in the first quarter of 2027. The total project cost is 122,732,479 euros, of which 60,185,896 euros come from the Cohesion Fund and 62,546,583 euros from the Riga municipality.
