Changes are planned near the Old Gertrude Church in central Riga — they intend to change the traffic organization and allocate the square near the church to pedestrians. However, the project has critics who warn of potential consequences for entrepreneurs.
Currently, cars freely navigate the square around the church, but in the near future, changes to the traffic organization are planned here — part of the square will be more adapted for pedestrians, while vehicle traffic will be maintained, reports TV3 News.
In general, the surface on the section of Gertrudes Street from Brivibas to Skolas Street is set to be updated, including the square around the church — the part opposite the entrance will become a pedestrian zone.
"The area closed to vehicles is like a square, symmetrically located opposite the entrance to the church. Entrepreneurs or residents located on the section from Brivibas Street to this closed area will be able to access all gates. The closed area begins after the last entrance to the yard. There, it will be possible to turn right, enter from Brivibas Street, drop off people or do other business, or enter the yard, turn around, and exit back onto Brivibas Street," explains Marta Kotello, chair of the Riga City Council's Transport and Communications Committee.
This means that traffic will become more restricted and the directions of travel will change — entry into the roundabout will only be possible from Baznicas and Skolas Streets. At the same time, entrepreneurs are concerned not only about the changes in traffic but also about the construction process itself.
"I completely understand that entrepreneurs are feeling the most difficult right now. There is a summer terrace nearby, tables are set up — entrepreneurs simply do not know what will happen in the summer when the excavations begin, when dust will appear, and traffic will be blocked. We need to wait for the contractor and establish very effective communication with all locals — both residents and entrepreneurs," says the committee head.
The project idea is also supported by landscape architect Helena Gutmane, noting that such reconstruction will be beneficial for all residents of Riga.
"I think entrepreneurs are quite emotional; they feel that everything will end. There is another point — there were already few parking spaces, cars were left somewhere else. The square in front of the church without cars is a very big plus for the city. When this happens, both turnover will increase and the environment will improve. A garden around the church or at least in front of it is much closer to its essence than cars," says Gutmane.
Meanwhile, a public debate has erupted around the project. The chair of the Riga City Council emphasizes that the changes will increase pedestrian traffic and benefit entrepreneurs. In turn, her deputy Ansis Pupols disagrees, calling for the project to be halted, as entrepreneurs fear issues with access and a potential decrease in customer numbers.
The schedule for construction work will be known after the procurement is completed in early May, and the total budget for the project is 900,000 euros.
