Construction of the extension of tram line 7
Within the scope of the project it is planned to construct the extension of tram line 7 (~1,720 m) in Latgales Street to the land plot owned by the municipality at the intersection of Višķu Street and Latgales Street. A public transport (electric bus, tram, trolleybus) interchange will be constructed on the referred to land plot, as well as access roads necessary for the functionality thereof from both Latgales Street and Višķu Street, including a turning circle for the tram line with an additional internal rail track in the length of ~480 m. In the area of the transport interchange, tram traffic is organised in a clockwise direction on the outer circle, and trolleybuses and electric buses in a counterclockwise direction on the inner circle. This solution is atypical compared to other public transport terminals in Riga, but the planned traffic organisation ensures a possibility to create unified transport stop platforms, i.e. on one side of the tram circle there is a platform for getting off the tram and onto electric buses/trolleybuses, and on the opposite side of the tram circle a platform for getting off the electric buses/trolleybuses and onto the trams. The inner rail track of the turning circle will allow the tram to be parked for longer periods of time, as well as to establish other tram routes for connecting different neighbourhoods of the city. The transport interchange point is planned with a comfortable layout so that the passengers could easily transfer between public transport routes without significant movement. The landscaping (including lighting) and the construction of a new dispatcher building will also be ensured, providing for unified, well-equipped premises for tram, trolleybus and bus drivers. An extension of the trolleybus route 15 route (~300 m) and the contact lines and electricity cables will be built in Višķu Street.
It is planned to as far as possible continue developing the tram infrastructure as an independent line, separated from other transport flow, in order to give priority to tram traffic when crossing intersections, thus improving the speed of tram movement compared to private vehicles, which have to spend more time on the road during rush hours.
The implementation of the project will improve the visual image of the neighbourhood and increase the attractiveness of the urban environment, potentially contributing to the development of the neighbourhood.
The project, together with other measures and projects to be implemented within the scope of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), is expected to help increase the speed, regularity and comfort of public transport, encourage private car passengers to switch to public transport, help limit the growing energy consumption of cars and reduce the volume of CO2 emissions.
The performed investments are intended as a stimulus for further corridor development and CO2 reduction measures in the city, namely, integration of Riga State City public transport with the regional route network buses is needed so that passengers transfer to city public transport when arriving in Riga.
Project objective
The objective of the project "Construction of the extension of tram line 7" (hereinafter - the Project) is to construct a 2.2 km long tram line extension, a 0.3 km long trolleybus line extension and a transport interchange point with the infrastructure and dispatcher building related to ensuring the functionality thereof in the Riga metropolitan area by 31 May 2026, thus facilitating a change in commuting habits in the Riga metropolitan range. By implementing the project, a competitive public transport offer is being created as compared to private transport, inter alia, in interrelation with micro-mobility the restructuring of traffic flows is being carried out and alternative routes are being created, also increasing the possibilities for transfer to public transport, including rail transport, generally contributing to the reduction of adverse environmental impact of transport.
Project activities
- Feasibility studies for Project solutions
- Designing
- Construction
- Author’s supervision
- Technical supervision
- Publicity measures
Targets
- ~ 2.5 km extension of the public transport line constructed, including:
- extension of the tram line including the turning circle of the tram line at the transport interchange point (~2.2 km)
- trolleybus line (route) extension (~ 300 m).
- a unified transport interchange point and the infrastructure and dispatcher building related to ensuring the functionality thereof (electric bus, tram, trolleybus) - 1
(Image is for illustrative purposes only and the solution shown is subject to change)
Project implementation
- The term of Project implementation is by May 2026.
- On 3 November 2023 a contract for the development of the building design, construction works and author's supervision was concluded with CBF SIA "Binders" in the amount of EUR 28,155,811.00 excluding VAT.
Funding
- The project is implemented within the scope of the Related Measures 1.1.1.2.i.2. and 1.1.1.2.i.3 of Investment 1.1.1.2.i. "Environmentally friendly improvements to the public transport system of the city of Riga" of Reform 1.1.1.r. "Greening the Riga Metropolitan Range Transport System" of the reforms and investments section 1.1. "Decreasing Emissions in the Transport Sector" of Component No.1 "Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability" under the Plan of the Recovery and Resilience Facility of the European Union.
Working version of the general plan of the territory of the construction intention scope:
Press releases:
- First preparatory works to begin for the construction of the extension of tram line 7 (05.09.2024.)
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A public informative event on the solutions for the extension of tram line 7 took place (22.04.2024.)
- Designing works commenced for the extension section of tram route 7 (09.11.2023)
Procurements: