Latvia has introduced transport weight restrictions of up to ten tons on 775 gravel road sections due to thawing conditions.
In Latvia, transport weight restrictions have been implemented on 775 gravel road sections as a result of thawing conditions, affecting the structural integrity of the roads. The largest number of affected sections is in Vidzeme, with 283 sections experiencing reduced load capacity, while Latgale has 218, Zemgale has 110, Kurzeme has 90, and the Riga region has 74 sections impacted.
The state road maintenance company, VSIA 'Latvijas valsts ceΔΌi' (LVC), urges drivers to account for additional travel time as some road sections may be difficult to traverse during this period. LVC is particularly concerned about heavy vehicle operators, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the traffic regulations and the newly imposed weight restrictions in order not to further degrade the technical condition of the gravel roads.
In light of these conditions, LVC encourages motorists to report damaged or flooded road sections as well as any other observations regarding traffic and road conditions by calling their 24-hour free information hotline. The agency explains that thaw conditions lead to high water accumulation on the roads, which in turn causes the gravel surface to lose its load-bearing capacity, further necessitating these restrictions to ensure safety on the roads.
