Daugavpils and Rēzekne build new walking and cycling routes

Daugavpils has opened a walking and cycling path of more than five kilometres linking the city with Lociki, while construction is under way on a route connecting Rēzekne with Sondori. LSM reports that residents have raised safety and construction-quality concerns.

The route from Lociki runs to Vecstropi. Until recently, cyclists had to travel along the edge of the A13 highway. Residents say signs are needed to clarify where people should walk and where cyclists should ride. Some also use the path to travel to work or walk with children and dogs.

Residents of Vecstropi have reported that rainwater collects along a stretch of the new path and flows into a pedestrian tunnel. “As soon as it rains a little, water stands along a stretch of about 30 metres. It floods,” said Boris, a resident of Augšdaugava municipality.

Although the path was built in July, work resumed on September 29. State-owned road company Latvijas Valsts ceļi said quality checks found defects in the asphalt surface. The contractor, Latgales Ceļdaris, will replace the top layer in some sections at its own expense.

Near Rēzekne, construction is under way on an asphalt path more than four kilometres long between the city and Sondori. Until now, people travelling from Sondori have had to ride along the highway. Further walking and cycling routes are planned between Daugavpils and Krauja, and between Rēzekne and Janopole.