For a complete update of the state road network, an estimated €2.902 billion will be required by 2024, according to an information report from the Ministry of Transport on the development strategy for major state roads until 2040, which was acknowledged by the government on Tuesday.
A full modernization of all state roads, including their construction and maintenance, as well as a targeted subsidy for municipal roads of at least 25%, will require €816.4 million per year.
The funding for roads according to the tax collection plan for 2025-2027 should amount to between €817 million and €863 million, which will significantly improve the condition of roads in the country. From the state budget, between €306 million and €362 million is allocated or planned to be allocated annually for road repairs.
As noted by the Ministry of Transport, the priority in the construction of major state roads until 2040 should be the reconstruction of main roads, creating as many two-lane sections as possible. Bus stops should be separated from the roadway, the flow of public transport passengers should cross the roadway via multi-level crossings, roads should be equipped with protective barriers and animal crossings, as well as noise barriers.
The average cost of constructing one kilometer when reconstructing existing single-lane roads or building new two-lane roads is about €9.4 million at 2025 prices.
As indicated by the Ministry of Transport, the priority direction of the first phase from 2026 to 2034 is the Bauska Highway (A7), including the construction of a 60.1-kilometer bypass of Bauska and a 34.3-kilometer bypass of Iecava, as well as the reconstruction of the Baltezers-Saulkalne section of the Riga bypass road (A4).
In the second phase, from 2030 to 2035, the priority direction is the Salaspils-Babite section of the Riga bypass road (A5) and its connection with A4, including a bridge over the Daugava.
In the third phase, from 2035 to 2040, the main direction of development is the reconstruction of existing roads with two carriageways, including the Vidzeme Highway (A2) to the Lorupe ravine, the Jelgava Highway (A8), and sections of the Jurmala Highway (A10).
In the third phase, the Tallinn Highway (A1) and the 48.4-kilometer section of Jurmala-Tukums of the Ventspils Highway (A10) will be transformed into two-lane roads.
Priority will be given to the reconstruction of regional roads connecting cities or administrative centers of regions with each other, as well as cross-border connections with high traffic intensity and regional roads connecting other regional roads with medium traffic intensity. Overall, to achieve priority goals, additional funding of €325 million is needed.
Regarding local roads, by 2040, a blacktop road in good condition should provide access to the center of the region from every settlement that has a parish administration.
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