RIGA, April 8 (LETA) - In this construction season, investments in Riga's streets, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure are planned at more than EUR 300 million, Kristaps Kaulins, director of the Riga Spatial Planning and Mobility Department, said at a news conference on Wednesday.

He indicated that this amount includes projects that have already been launched and are expected to be completed this year, as well as projects that will start this year.

The projects scheduled for completion this year include phase four of the Dienvidu (Southern) Bridge, as well as the Zemitanu and Kundzinsala overpasses. The projects to be launched this year include the Vansu (Suspension) Bridge, Gaisa Bridge, and Altonava Street overpass.

According to Kaulins, this year, construction work will take place at more than 200 sites, including three cycling paths: from Imanta to Pinki, from Plavnieki to Ropazi Municipality, and along Mukusalas Street in the Kekava direction. Other construction works planned for this season include improving pedestrian infrastructure, asphalt resurfacing, and double-surfacing on minor streets.

Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs (Progressives) said at the news conference that active construction work will start in Riga as soon as air temperatures stabilize.

Kleinbergs noted that a major challenge in this construction season will be the increase in the cost of construction works due to the rise in oil prices. Kleinbergs explained that some construction contracts already include cost indexation, while in case of others, solutions will be sought.

Marta Kotello (Progressives), chair of the Riga City Council's Communications and Transport Committee, said that in every project, close attention will be paid to the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Kotello said that an additional EUR 2 million has been allocated in this year's Riga budget specifically for improving pedestrian and cyclist safety.

She also said that at least 30 new pedestrian crossings are planned in Riga this year, while improvements are planned for several existing ones. Traffic calming measures are also planned, and road safety around several schools is expected to be improved.