Riga to deploy 174 machines and 115 workers for winter road and pavement upkeep
Riga city council has prepared for winter maintenance of streets, pavements, bridges and overpasses, with more than 30 million euros planned. Residents are asked to report uncleared areas by calling 1201.
Riga city council has prepared 174 units of equipment for this winter's upkeep of streets, pavements, bridges and overpasses, and 115 workers will take part. The municipality will centrally handle the clearing of all pavements and roadways along city-managed streets. For residents of the Latvian capital, it matters how the work is organised and where to report problems.
Costs and equipment
The city has set aside 7.3 million euros for centralised pavement maintenance and 23 million euros for roadways, bridges and overpasses. It notes that actual costs depend on weather and snowfall intensity, so they may rise or fall. The council's Public Space and Mobility Department owns 21 of the machines; the rest are supplied by contractors.
The main street network will have 132 units, including 39 large ones fitted with snow blades and salt or sand spreaders. Fifteen units are meant for cycle paths, while 78 are machines of various sizes, including tractors. Pavement work will use 42 units over 1,056 kilometres.
Order of work
Bridges and overpasses are treated first because ice forms on them faster. Next come main streets used by public transport, and only then neighbourhood streets. In total, 1,645 streets with a combined length of 1,136 kilometres are to be maintained. Several companies will clear roadways in different districts, while SIA Rīgas tilti handles bridges and overpasses.
Rules and public involvement
Under municipal regulations, pavements must be cleared to at least 50% of their width and no less than 1.5 metres. Pavements by courtyard roads are the responsibility of property managers, who can collect sand at four listed addresses from 9 November to 25 February. Failure to maintain territory can lead to administrative proceedings.
Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs reminded residents they can report uncleared pavements, roads or stops by phone on 1201, by e-mail at 1201@riga.lv or on riga.lv. Parks and squares are maintained by SIA Rīgas meži.
