Drivers warned of heavier traffic as new school year begins

As the new school year begins, traffic on Latvia's roads — particularly in areas surrounding cities — is expected to become noticeably busier. More children will be moving along streets and roads, and school buses will resume their regular routes. The information was confirmed to Delfi by state road operator Latvijas Valsts ceļi (LVC).

LVC is urging all road users to follow traffic rules, including speed limits and other restrictions near schools, and to exercise extra caution during the first days of the school year as children return to their daily routines. Drivers are advised to plan additional travel time and set out earlier than usual.

New infrastructure and safety reminders for children

According to LVC, new infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists has been built near many towns and cities, which children can use on their way to school. To ensure safety, children should be reminded how to properly use this infrastructure and be mindful of their own safety as well as that of other road users.

Roadworks near schools in Ikšķile and Ulbroka

Parents should be particularly aware of ongoing roadworks near schools in Ikšķile and Ulbroka, where traffic may be slowed. In Ulbroka, on the Ulbroka–Ogre road near Ulbroka Secondary School, a single traffic-light-controlled section with one open lane is in place, with an estimated crossing time of about 15 minutes; work there is expected to finish by the end of November.

In Ikšķile, on Skolas Street beneath the Daugavpils highway overpass, two lanes will be available starting September 1, after which traffic will shift to alternating one-lane movement until construction is completed in 2027.

Roadworks continue across the state road network

Construction is currently underway at 45 sections of the state road network. In the greater Riga area, restrictions will affect several stretches of the Liepāja highway, including the section from Brīvkalni to Klīves and from Lielupe to the junction with the Jelgava–Tukums road, as well as sections from Blīdene to Purvakrogs cemetery and in Brocēni. LVC notes that the most extensive traffic restrictions on state roads remain concentrated in the greater Riga area, Latgale and Kurzeme regions.