Major works began on Gertrudes Street in August. Fences and pits appeared, part of the cobblestones was removed, and special passages were arranged for pedestrians. As a result, the usual route changed not only for drivers and couriers but also for visitors to nearby establishments. For entrepreneurs, the problem turned out to be particularly acute. Due to the fenced-off area, cafes lost the opportunity to use paid spaces for summer terraces, and the number of casual visitors noticeably decreased. "As soon as they started digging everything up, we found ourselves with a fenced-off area for which we paid as a terrace space where tables were supposed to stand. They just laid stones there, and now we can't set up tables. Therefore, the likelihood that people will accidentally come to us has decreased. Now only those who know that there is a bar here come," said BEERA Bar manager Arturs Laurinovich. After the completion of the works by Rīgas ūdens in this area, the road surface will be removed, and landscaping will begin. The Riga City Council acknowledges that it is impossible to complete all urban works in one summer. "No matter how we plan and organize the work, it is impossible to complete everything scheduled in three summer months. Therefore, every year in spring, the work has to be resumed. We definitely won't finish everything by the end of August, and unfortunately, we have to work until winter. Residents have to cope with such temporary inconveniences," said Kristaps Kauliņš, director of the Department of External Space and Mobility of the Riga City Council. Another problematic area is Daugavgriva Street, where the road surface is being renewed from Kuldigas Street to house 53. The work was supposed to be completed earlier, but the contractor fell behind schedule. The municipality stated that penalties stipulated in the contract are being imposed for the delay. "On Daugavgriva Street, the contractor is not meeting the established deadlines, so we are applying the penalties provided for in the contract. However, we will also complete this work this year. The most serious restrictions are expected at night. It will likely take about another month and a half to get everything in order," Kauliņš said. The city's repair map does not stop there. Work is also ongoing on Sturmanu and Ventspils Streets, Grostonas Street is being reconstructed in the center, and the promenade on November 11 is being improved from the Stone Bridge side. In addition, the pavement on Terbatas Street is being renewed. Thus, the return of the school season and the associated morning traffic jams are not the only reason for temporary difficulties on the streets of Riga. Some restrictions will remain for several more months, and some works will continue until winter.
