13% of Rīga public transport rides haven't taken place due to the closure of the bridge, while council officials maintain the bridge is safe.
Police are now evacuating any vehicles blocking public transport lanes in the vicinity.
On the flip side, Rigans have been embarking on a roadside picnic, enjoying the hitherto vehicular infrastructure by holding get-togethers on the bridge, as noted in the below LTV story.
As previously reported by LSM, the bridge was closed on the orders of Interior Minister Sandis Ģirģens after an engineering report drew attention to the bridge's poor state of repair - something also noticed by members of the public for some time.
Despite the closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic, it remains open to cyclists and pedestrians. The length of the closure is currently uncertain, being dependent upon a comprehensive assessment of its structural soundness and updated plans for renovation.
Rīga City Council had not moved to close the bridge, so the minister stepped in, citing public safety concerns and accusing the council of playing with people's lives.