Due to a swift thaw affecting Latvia, the State Road Maintenance Company (LVC) has reported a significant rise in the number of gravel roads impacted by slush. This change in conditions leads to a loss of bearing capacity for the moist gravel surface, worsening driving conditions across the country. To prevent irreversible damage to these roads, weight restrictions on vehicles are being implemented, limiting them to a maximum of ten tons in affected areas.

As of Thursday, March 5, 367 road sections have introduced weight restrictions due to thaw-related slush. The regions most impacted include Vidzeme with 110 sections, Zemgale with 103, Latgale with 56, Kurzeme with 59, and the Rīga region with 39 sections. With forecasts indicating continued rising temperatures over the weekend, more weight restrictions are expected to be enforced as conditions worsen further.

LVC has emphasized that maintenance work on these roads can only be performed once they dry out, since effective maintenance is impossible on overly wet surfaces. During the thaw period, permits for the transportation of goods are not issued, and compliance with traffic restrictions is monitored by the State Police. This situation highlights the challenges faced in maintaining infrastructure during volatile weather conditions in Latvia.