Rail Baltica mainline construction gains momentum – major site preparation work begins at Iecava
Rail Baltica’s mainline contractor, ERB Rail, in collaboration with several local subcontractors, has started extensive site preparation work at the Iecava Infrastructure Maintenance Facility – a strategic location that will become one of the project’s key operational hubs. The 16-hectare site is undergoing intensive preparatory work, marking a new phase in the development of this important European transport corridor.
Minister of Transport Atis Švinka emphasises: “Construction of Rail Baltica must begin as soon as possible this year in the section from Iecava to the Lithuanian border. This is of strategic importance for our national security, and we need to demonstrate to the public that we are making tangible and practical progress in the implementation of this project.”
The fencing of the temporary construction site located approximately 10.5 kilometres away from the centre of Iecava towards Vārpas (Baldone), approximately one kilometre away from the local road V9 Iecava-Baldone-Daugmale, has been completed.
Construction equipment and temporary office modules are currently being delivered to the site. The temporary office will consist of 16 modular units. The local Bauska company, SIA Kvēle, has completed the electrical connection of the temporary office, while the rental and installation of the modules is being provided by Ramirent Baltic AS, Riga branch.
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance is being carried out on the 16-hectare site in full compliance with international safety standards. Highly qualified professionals are carrying out the work using advanced technologies to efficiently scan the ground and identify potential remnants of historic munitions. The process is systematic, with the area divided into quadrants to ensure a meticulous, metre-by-metre inspection.
Once fencing, containers, offices and UXO clearance is completed, construction of a temporary access road will begin. In addition, demolition of existing structures will be carried out by road construction company Binders. These works are scheduled to start in April.
Major construction activities will begin in April, starting with the preparation of the site foundations. The Rail Baltica mainline construction site will be developed as an embankment approximately 2 metres high. The work will include the installation of culverts, soil replacement and the creation of an approximately 16-hectare embankment.
Until then, the increase in heavy traffic will be minimal, with up to ten heavy transport units making daily deliveries along a single designated transport route.
Initially, the logistics will use state roads, including the A5 Rīga bypass, the A7 Riga-Bauska-Lithuanian border (Grenctāle) motorway, the V9 Iecava-Baldone-Daugmale road, the V5 Piebalgas-Dzelzāmurs-Ratstrauti road and the P89 Ķekava-Skaistkalne road.
