The condition of the main and regional roads in Latvia is generally good, said Martiņš Lazdovskis, chairman of the board of the State Joint Stock Company "Latvian State Roads" (Latvijas valsts ceļi / LVC), in an interview with the LETA agency.
According to LVC, 1240 kilometers of state highways are in good and very good condition, which accounts for 74% of their total length. 302.8 km (18%) are in satisfactory condition, and 133.2 km (8%) are in poor condition.
Among regional roads, 2826.7 kilometers (52%) are in good and very good condition, 1318 kilometers (24%) are in satisfactory condition, and the same amount is in poor condition.
Lazdovskis noted that there are no significant improvements in the local road network. This is the most extensive network of roads — over 10,000 kilometers, mostly gravel roads. Of these, 1688.7 km (13%) are in good and very good condition, 4805.4 km (38%) are in satisfactory condition, and 6189.9 km (49%) are in poor condition.
He emphasized that LVC is implementing a program to connect parish centers, and more and more parishes and regions are receiving access roads with asphalt surfaces.
"In each such case, it is a significant event that people are eagerly awaiting and appreciate, but the local road network is so vast that it is not yet possible to speak of significant improvement," he noted.
The head of LVC added that regarding the main roads, the challenge lies in the high traffic intensity and the expectations of people who want to see modern four-lane roads that meet the requirements of the 21st century.
"This is a serious challenge, but as for the condition of the road surface, significant progress has been made on the main roads," emphasized Lazdovskis.
He also noted that the situation on regional roads has significantly improved: "The section to Alūksne has been put in order, the entire route Gulbene — Pļaviņas has been completed, and this year the last section between Madona and Gulbene will be finished. Also this year, work has started on the section before Balvi, which will be completed next year. Thus, all major centers of the regions will be connected by quality roads with asphalt concrete surfaces," explained Lazdovskis.
He added that since 18% of the main roads are in satisfactory condition, it is already necessary to plan for the renewal of the top layer of the surface to prevent the appearance of potholes in these areas.
