The European Commission has approved Riga’s tramway infrastructure development project. As part of this project, it is planned to build the 3.5 km Skanstes tramline, which will cost EUR 97.4 million, as reported by Rigas satiksme representative Viktors Zakis.
The project involves the construction of a 3.6-km tramline on Pernavas Street – Sencu Street – Zirnu Street – Skanstes Street – Sporta Street and reconstruction of 5th and 9th tramline infrastructure all the way to the city center.
Securing appropriate energy supply is also planned. This includes the construction of a new substation, reconstruction of another one and construction of new contact networks. The project also includes the construction of 11 new stops and procurement of 12 new low-floor trams, as well as reconstruction of specific stops, relocation of engineering communications and traffic management system.
The total costs of this project are estimated at EUR 97.4 million. Funding available from the Cohesion Fund will cover EUR 65.7 million. There is also the reserve of EUR 4.3 million, which will be allocated after December 31, 2018 if the project meets all of the necessary criteria. Funding from Rigas satiksme will cover EUR 27.4 million of the project’s costs.
It is currently estimated that construction may commence in the second half of 2018, because approximately one year is needed for development of the technical side of the project. Coordination of all work also requires time. The project is planned to be completed by 2022.
RS notes that Stanstes tramline will allow the creation of a circle around Riga’s historic center. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
