In Latvia, due to recent thawing conditions, the state-owned company Latvijas valsts ceļi (LVC) has imposed transport mass restrictions on 367 sections of gravel roads. This measure is to prevent damage to the roads as large amounts of water have resulted from melting snow. Specifically, the road section Glūdas stacija-Zaļenieki in Jelgavas novad has experienced flooding, prompting detours to be established via alternative routes. The continuing warm temperatures are expected to further increase the number of affected road sections throughout the country.

Currently, the greatest number of gravel road sections losing load-bearing capacity is reported in the Vidzeme region, where 110 sections are affected. Following that, there are 103 affected sections in Zemgale, 59 in Kurzeme, 56 in Latgale, and 39 in the Riga region. The LVC warns that the restrictions will likely expand as temperatures increase over the weekend, leading to more gravel roads being impacted by the thawing conditions.

The LVC emphasizes the importance of these restrictions to ensure public safety and preserve road infrastructure. Melting snow leads to significant water presence on gravel roads, which becomes saturated and loses its load-bearing capabilities. As the weather continues to warm, further maintenance and monitoring will be necessary to address the ongoing challenges posed by the thawing of roads in Latvia.