Road sign warning of tank crossing appears on road in Latvia's Sēlija training area

Drivers in Latvia's Sēlija region may come across an unusual road sign on the Daudzeva–Sunākste road warning of a tank crossing. The road runs through the Sēlija military training ground, one of the most significant defence infrastructure projects in Latvia. A Latvian resident posted photos of the sign on the social network Threads.

The woman wrote that she had already got used to driving through a military site, but that tanks would now be part of the picture too. Replying to another user who asked whether the sign warns of actual tank movement or simply asks drivers to be ready for an unusual situation, she explained that three special concrete zones cross the road and are intended for tanks to cross. She said she did not encounter any tanks herself.

Similar signs elsewhere

Other commenters said a similar sign has been seen near the Ādaži military base. One user added that such signs are fairly common in Poland.

Development of the training ground

Military training is already under way at the Sēlija site, including movement of armoured vehicles and tactical exercises. A live-fire training zone opened in February this year, and further infrastructure development is planned for the coming years.

A roughly 17-kilometre section of the Daudzeva–Viesīte–Apserde road, from Daudzeva to Sunākste, is also being rebuilt for the needs of the training ground. It is being adapted for heavy military vehicles. The large junctions have special tank crossings, which is a fairly unusual solution for local roads.

The Ministry of Defence has said the road will be open to all road users, although temporary traffic restrictions may be introduced during military exercises.