Fallen trees from storm still disrupting traffic on Latvian roads
Days after the August 22 storm, broken and fallen trees remain along roads across Latvia, causing traffic disruptions and even full blockages in places. Public transport in Riga has also been affected.
Following the storm that struck on August 22, causing damage including in Riga's Mežaparks area, fallen and broken trees and branches are still lying near roads across the country. Latvia's State Roads authority (LVC) reports that traffic on regional and local roads may in places be difficult or even completely blocked as a result.
Rescue workers and road maintenance crews are prioritizing locations where traffic is fully blocked, clearing those roadways first before moving on to partially blocked sections. LVC says a full assessment of the damage and the number of fallen trees will take at least two more days, and it is asking residents to keep reporting trees and branches down on roads, as well as other storm damage.
Disruptions also hit public transport
Riga's public transport operator, Rīgas satiksme, confirms that effects of the storm are still being felt in the capital. A tree fell on Matrožu Street, forcing route 57 buses to currently run only between Torņakalns station and Ģipša Street. On Voleru Street, a fallen tree leaning over the roadway has disrupted route 54, with buses now running from the Botanical Garden only as far as the turn from Daugavgrīvas Street onto Voleru Street.
Clearing roadways of trees remains the priority, but fully tidying up road right-of-way strips could take several more weeks or even months.
Planned roadworks continue as well
On top of storm cleanup, drivers also need to account for previously scheduled roadworks — construction is currently underway at 46 sections of the state road network. On the Liepāja highway, work is proceeding simultaneously at four sections, so drivers should plan extra time when mapping their route.
