Rail operator defends wide tree clearance in Jūrmala

Latvijas dzelzceļš says extensive tree clearing near the Lielupe and Priedaine railway stations in Jūrmala is needed for safety. The work follows lessons from storms that have disrupted train services, LSM reported.

Residents have questioned why trees are being cut down dozens of metres from the tracks. Jūrmala municipality said clearing railway protection zones is the responsibility of Latvijas dzelzceļš.

The rail operator said strong winds can bring trees down onto tracks or damage power lines, halting train traffic. During a storm on August 22, train services were disrupted in many parts of Latvia, and passengers were left waiting for hours in trains between stations while they awaited evacuation, the company said.

Near Lielupe and Priedaine stations, trees are being cleared in a strip about 30 metres wide, and in some places wider. Latvijas dzelzceļš said the width is set according to local conditions, to allow maintenance equipment to reach the tracks and to ensure visibility at a railway crossing. The company said the clearance takes account of future maintenance needs because trees continue to grow.

Jūrmala is among the first places where work has been carried out on such a large scale. Latvijas dzelzceļš said it would like protection zones along railway tracks to be cleared throughout Latvia.