Changes to Traffic Planned Near the Vintage Gertrude Church in Central Riga

Changes to traffic organization are planned near the Old Gertrude Church in central Riga, with part of the square being allocated for pedestrians whereas maintaining vehicle traffic. The project, reported by TV3 News, aims to update the surface on Gertrudes Street from Brivibas to Skolas Street, including the area around the church. The section opposite the church entrance will become a pedestrian zone, symmetrically located and closed to vehicles.

According to Marta Kotello, chair of the Riga City Council’s Transport and Communications Committee, the closed area will commence after the last entrance to the yard. Entrepreneurs and residents on the section from Brivibas Street to this closed area will retain access to all gates. Vehicle movement will be adjusted to allow entry into the roundabout only from Baznicas and Skolas Streets, with options to turn right, enter from Brivibas Street, drop off passengers, conduct business, or enter the yard, turn around, and exit back onto Brivibas Street.

While the changes aim to improve pedestrian access and urban space, entrepreneurs have expressed concerns about the construction process and its potential impact on summer terraces and business operations. They warn of possible disruptions from excavations, dust, and blocked traffic during the works.

The Riga City Council’s Transport Department, located at Gertrude Street 36, Riga, oversees traffic organization coordination, including for public events, and requires submission of traffic route and SOTL (technical means of traffic organisation) schemes for approval.

As of today, there are no current traffic alerts in the Riga area reported by real-time monitoring services.