RIGA, June 14 (LETA) - EUR 139 million loan will help Riga to renovate transport infrastructure, said Riga vice mayor Vilnis Kirsis (New Unity), commenting on the government's decision to support a loan from the state budget for reconstruction of several overpasses and bridges that are in critical condition.

The planned projects should be completed until 2026. According to estimates, the necessary funding is EUR 139,095,200.

Kirsis said that this infrastructure is important not only for the residents of Riga, but for all Latvian residents, helping to solve several traffic organization problems in the Latvian capital.

The Riga City Council has defined renovation of transport infrastructure as one of its priorities. Thus, the infrastructure will be developed for the convenience of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.

As reported, the Riga City Council will receive a long-term loan from the state budget for reconstruction of several overpasses and bridges that are in critical condition, the government decided today.

The total cost of renovation and reconstruction of five overpasses and bridges is estimated at EUR 139 million. EUR 32.537 million is needed for reconstruction of Vansu Bridge, EUR 36.474 million for Jorgis Zemitans Bridge, EUR 14.978 million for Gaisa Bridge, EUR 32.249 million for Gustavs Zemgals Overpass, and EUR 22.857 million for Mukusalas Street embankment.

The Transport Ministry's report on renovation and reconstruction of strategically important transport infrastructure facilities in Riga says the Riga City Council has approved renovation and reconstruction of the said five bridges and overpasses, with the total cost projected at up to EUR 142 million, provided that the municipality, in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, has the opportunity to take out a loan to finance these renovation and reconstruction projects.

The current capacity of Riga bridges is insufficient. Traffic jams on Vansu Bridge are estimated to cause a loss of EUR 6 million to EUR 7 million annually, and on Gaisa Bridge - EUR 3 million to EUR 4 million annually.

Investments in transport infrastructure are necessary for performance of the functions of Riga as the capital of Latvia, ensuring convenient access for all residents of the country to public administration institutions and infrastructure facilities of national importance.