Construction of the first tram tracks begins after a 40-year break
As the extension of tram line 7 continues, Rīgas satiksme has installed the first new section of rail today. This is a significant step in the development of Riga’s public transport and the beginning of a new chapter in the city’s mobility history. The new line will connect the existing final destination Ķengarags with the forthcoming transport interchange in Latgale suburb, providing a more convenient and sustainable commute for residents and visitors in Riga.
Chair of the Board of Rīgas satiksme, Džineta Innusa: “Today marks an important milestone in the development of Riga’s public transport – the first new tram track of the line 7 extension project is being laid. The last time a new tram line was built in Riga was more than 40 years ago. Thanks to everyone involved in this ambitious project – special thanks to Rīgas satiksme project management team, the planners, designers and builders, our cooperation partners, as well as the municipal staff involved in various project-related issues.”
Member of the Board of Rīgas satiksme, Jānis Golubevs: “The aim of the project is to build an approximately 2.2-kilometre tram line extension by May 2026, connecting the existing Ķengarags terminus with the new transport interchange at the intersection of Višķu and Latgales iela. The interchange will be modern and integrated, providing easy transfers between trams, trolleybuses and electric buses. It will significantly improve mobility for both residents and visitors. Work is now proceeding as planned. Underground utilities have already been rebuilt in the track section from the Dole shopping centre to Rasas iela, and track construction has started elsewhere. At the new transport interchange, the underground utilities are nearing completion, track structures are already being laid in places and the construction of the entrance has started. Construction of the traction substation has also started. Most of the footpath and shorter sections of the cycle track have also been built along the entire extension.”
The total track extension of tram route 7 will be 2.2 kilometres. As part of the construction works, a transport interchange will be built on a land plot at the Latgales and Višķu iela intersection. A new control building is planned for its functioning, as well as access roads from both Latgales iela and Višķu iela for public transport movements. The area will also be landscaped with large shelters, information signs, and boards, greenery and street lighting. The trolleybus route 15 will also be extended 300 metres along Višķu iela to the transport interchange.
The project is planned to be completed by May 2026. A contract for the design, construction and supervision of the project has been concluded with CBF SIA Binders in the amount of EUR 28 349 687.19 excluding VAT. The project is financed within the framework of the related measures 1.1.1.2.i.2. and 1.1.1.2.i.3. of the investment 1.1.1.2.i “Environmentally friendly improvements to the public transport system of the city of Riga” 1.1.1.r. reform “Greening the Riga Metropolitan Range Transport System” of the reforms and investment axis 1.1. “Emission Reduction in the Transport Sector” of the Component No. 1. “Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability” of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan of the European Union.
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