Latvia Allocates €314.1 Million for Road Construction and Maintenance in 2026

Riga, Latvia – In 2026, Latvia will allocate €314.1 million from its state budget for road construction and maintenance, a decrease of €40.6 million compared to the previous year. This funding will be supplemented by an additional €38 million in European Union (EU) funds dedicated to road construction and renovation projects across the country.

Funding Allocation and Project Focus

The allocated funds will be strategically used for a variety of crucial infrastructure projects. These include the construction and maintenance of national highways and bridges, as well as providing targeted subsidies to local governments for the development of streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes. A key objective is to enhance connectivity and mobility for residents throughout Latvia, alongside implementing measures to improve overall road safety.

Road Advancement Targets

This year’s investment is projected to result in the construction or renovation of 570 kilometers of roads. Consequently of these efforts, the Latvian government anticipates that 86% of the nation’s national highways and 66% of regional roads will be in at least satisfactory condition.

Specific Investment Areas

• National Highways: €142.7 million will be invested in the construction and renovation of national highways.
• Municipal Grants: €60.1 million will be distributed as grants to municipalities for local street maintenance and construction projects, consistent with 2025 levels.
• Routine Maintenance: €79.64 million is allocated for routine maintenance work on approximately 20,000 kilometers of roads throughout Latvia.
• Road Safety: €13.2 million, including €9 million from EU funds, will be dedicated to road safety improvements. This includes the construction of grade-separated pedestrian and bike crossings on the Tallinn (A1) Highway near Medzabaki,the Liepaja (A9) Highway,and the Jelgava-Tukums (P98) Highway in Apsupe.
• Pedestrian and Bike Lanes: €10.56 million will be invested in the construction of pedestrian and bike lanes, including sections of the Jelgava-Dobele-Annenieki (P97) Highway and within Riga, utilizing funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

Key Projects and Priorities

One of the most significant projects planned for 2026 is the implementation of the second private partnership project: the Bauska bypass. This project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency in the Bauska region.

Ministerial Viewpoint

Transport minister atis Svinka acknowledged that funding for road construction and maintenance has been consistently insufficient in Latvia. He stated that, despite current budgetary priorities, the ministry remains committed to ensuring mobility for all residents and will prioritize road safety improvement projects in 2026. LETA

Published: 2026/01/07 03:33:31