Vehicular traffic on the overpass is scheduled to close on 4 December. The overpass will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists. However, restrictions could come into force sooner if winter weather conditions prevail.
The total cost of the reconstruction is €2.5 million. The new overpass could be completed within two years.
The results of the technical study on the Altonava overpass concluded that the idea of building a temporary bridge, as discussed before is not technically and economically viable. The temporary bridge would require the rebuilding of the abutments and retaining walls of the existing overbridge, as well as an increase in the gradient of the existing embankment, which would significantly deteriorate the level of traffic safety in the area of the crossing.
Therefore the municipality intends to start work on the preparation of the tender documentation for the "Re-construction of the Altonava Bridge" in the near future.
Given that the overpass crosses a track that was to be rebuilt as part of the Rail Baltic infrastructure project by demolishing the existing overpass, the municipality has not made any capital investments in its repair so far. The Rail Baltic promoters have still not given concrete answers on their plans for this section, but the municipality decided to close the overpass after assessing the safety risks.
