Business chamber warns delayed decisions on Vanšu Bridge overhaul could cost Latvia's economy millions

The Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LTRK) contacted responsible officials back in July, urging them to promptly find solutions for organizing traffic during the planned reconstruction of Riga's Vanšu Bridge and to inform businesses about the plans. The organization warns that delayed decisions could prove costly for Latvia's entire economy.

Calculations point to losses in the millions

Several non-governmental organizations, including LTRK, using the methodology of the Latvian State Roads authority, have calculated that a full closure of the Vanšu Bridge could generate additional costs of roughly €252 million over a year for residents and businesses - about €690,000 per day. A six-month closure would cost an estimated €124 million. The calculations are based on the assumption that around 50,000 vehicles use the bridge daily, and that a closure would add roughly 22 minutes of driving time (round trip) and about 3 additional kilometers per vehicle using alternative routes.

Impact on daily life and business

LTRK notes that closing the bridge would place additional strain on Riga's other Daugava river crossings and city streets, affecting commuting, business logistics and deliveries. The impact could be especially pronounced during major cultural, sports or business events in Riga, also affecting hotels, catering and retail businesses that serve visitors.

Possible solutions

One option under discussion is building a temporary bridge, estimated to cost around €20 million and needed for roughly 8-10 months. LTRK is calling for other solutions to also be evaluated, such as carrying out construction in stages, avoiding combining separate works - like cable replacement - across the entire bridge width at once, and shifting the most disruptive work to nights and weekends to preserve at least partial traffic flow.

The organization is urging the City of Riga, working with national authorities, to set a clear goal of maintaining private vehicle traffic across the Daugava during reconstruction as much as possible, and to weigh any additional funding needed against the losses a full closure would cause businesses, residents and the Latvian economy.