New pedestrian crossings on three streets of the capital are planned to be opened by November 11. At the intersection of Pragasa and January 13 streets, many are already crossing the six-lane road on the surface, not going down into the underground passage, and a controlled pedestrian crossing is planned here, reports TV3 News.
"I don’t like going through the tunnel, so I would say — yes," agreed Riga resident Justine with the new initiatives. Tatiana shares her view: "It is very, very necessary, so that we don’t have to go down into the tunnel, as they say, straight... So, the crossing is very much needed." "It’s necessary, well, it’s more convenient for people, more convenient," added Liga.
The construction of pedestrian crossings is planned in response to previously expressed concerns by residents about the inconvenience of using underground passages. The local government notes that specific requests have not been received; however, the situation was assessed based on an analysis of available public information and residents' opinions on social media.
"Pedestrians should not have to move underground; a pedestrian's place is on the surface, safely and conveniently crossing the roadway. The tunnels will remain — they can be used if desired, but it is very important to create an alternative — the ability to move on the surface. There is simply no accessible environment here — there are no elevators, or rather, lifts, so essentially, there is a part of the population — parents with strollers, people with disabilities — for whom such a crossing is inaccessible. These situations will be monitored, and the green phases will be adjusted so that pedestrians can cross without having to run because cars are speeding," stated Marta Kotello, Chair of the Transport and Traffic Committee of the Riga City Council.
Another crossing is planned on Brivibas Boulevard at Elizabeth Street — a controlled crossing is planned there, which will connect the Esplanade with the section near the Cabinet of Ministers building. In Pardaugava, at the intersection of Uzvaras Boulevard and Barinu Street, there will be an uncontrolled crossing.
"Yes, it’s necessary because when there is a crossing — cars stop, when there isn’t — they don’t stop. That’s how the rules are written, and that’s how it is. When there is a crossing — it’s safer," pointed out Riga resident Juris near Victory Park.
Meanwhile, traffic safety expert from the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) Oskars Irbitis assesses this initiative critically — he calls it hasty and insufficiently justified.
"For example, in the case of Brivibas Street, this pedestrian crossing can significantly affect public transport because it is planned right before many stops, and many routes intersect at this point. Temporary is the worst solution in the field of road safety because there will be temporary accidents, with temporarily injured people, which we don’t need right now. Perhaps it’s worth waiting until there is a really good solution that suits everyone, and ultimately, if we are slowing down traffic — an alternative is needed to redirect it," explained Irbitis.
Funding of 45,000 euros is allocated for the implementation of the project, but exact expenses will be known after the completion of the construction project. If the crossings prove useful, similar solutions may be implemented in other areas of Riga.
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