More than 200 trees will be replanted and planted during the construction of the extension of tram line
A thorough inventory of the existing trees on tram line 7 has been carried out and tree experts have identified 43 of the existing trees to be good for replanting – and the replanting has already started. Also, more than 180 new trees and more than 2600 different shrubs and other plants will be planted as part of the construction of the extension of tram line 7. In addition to the existing lindens, Latgales iela will now have several varieties of green ornaments – red maples, horse chestnuts, shadbush, birches, hawthorns, red oaks, rowan trees and other varieties of trees. To ensure that the replanted and newly planted trees grow well, they will be planted in parts. Those trees that cannot be replanted will be cut down.
It is essential that all trees are re-inspected at the time of root exposure before replanting. It is important to assess whether the root system is not too close to underground engineering communications. It should be taken into account that in some cases the roots may have grown too deeply into the communications. In such cases, the trees are likely to be removed during the reconstruction of the communications.
Relocating one particularly large linden tree will be more difficult and will take longer. This could be similar to the process that a 12-metre tall black locust, or false acacia, experienced a short time ago when it was moved from Mārupe to the centre of Riga.
The large linden tree is located in front of the Dole shopping centre. The root system of this tree will also be surveyed first, and tree experts will assess the situation in order to decide on the best way to organise the move. The preparation for the replanting will take several days, the moving process itself will take place at night.
Local temporary traffic restrictions should be expected during the tree planting process. During the whole process, the construction workers will regulate vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
The total track extension of tram route 7 will be 2.2 kilometres. As part of the construction works, a transport interchange will be built on a land plot at the Latgales-Višķu iela intersection. A new control building will be constructed to ensure functionality, as well as access roads from both Latgales iela and Višķu iela for public transport movements. The area will also be landscaped with large shelters, information signs, interactive information stands and boards, greenery and street lighting. The trolleybus route 15 will also be extended 300 metres along Višķu iela to the transport interchange.
The project is planned to be completed by end of May 2026. A contract for the design, construction and supervision of the project has been concluded with CBF SIA Binders in the amount of EUR 28.1 excluding VAT. The project will be financed within the framework of the related measures 1.1.1.2.i.2. and 1.1.1.2.i.3. of the investment 1.1.1.2.i “Environmentally friendly improvements to the public transport system of the city of Riga” 1.1.1.r. reform “Greening the Riga Metropolitan Range Transport System” of the reforms and investment axis 1.1. “Emission Reduction in the Transport Sector” of the Component No. 1. “Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability” of the Recovery and Resilience Facility Plan of the European Union.
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