RIGA — Riga Deputy Mayor Ainars Šlesers has said that a bridge toll might be introduced in the Latvian capital in order to gather finance for construction of a bridge or a tunnel across the Daugava River.

Šlesers reportedly informed “Nothing Personal,” the TV3 news channel that he did not rule out phasing in a toll on Riga’s bridges if [private_supervisor]the city wanted to proceed with a much-needed bridge or tunnel further north.

Even with the Southern Bridge, Riga’s woeful traffic demands a fourth bridge — or even a tunnel — across the Daugava, but since the city is well short of funding, civic leaders are at a loss to how to come up with funds.

Previously it was reported that Riga might introduce a bridge toll on the Stone Bridge (Akmens Tilts) or the Vanšu Bridge once the northern bridge was built in order to encourage drivers to use alternative routes.

Šlesers also said that there is disagreement as to what exactly should be built. He wants to see a bridge erected, while Sergei Dolgopolov, chief the city’s development department, would prefer a tunnel.

Šlesers said the project has an estimated price tag of €770 million, which would include 30 km (20 miles) of roads linking the bridge or tunnel with several major avenues on both sides of the river.

“There are several financial models being discussed,” said Šlesers. “But it’s clear today that Riga can’t finance construction from the city budget. We need to attract funds from somewhere else.”

Šlesers wants to begin work on the project as soon as possible, without waiting for clarity on EU financing, while Dolgopolov believes that construction cannot begin earlier than 2014, when EU funds will become available. [/private_supervisor] [private_subscription 1 month]the city wanted to proceed with a much-needed bridge or tunnel further north.

Even with the Southern Bridge, Riga’s woeful traffic demands a fourth bridge — or even a tunnel — across the Daugava, but since the city is well short of funding, civic leaders are at a loss to how to come up with funds.

Previously it was reported that Riga might introduce a bridge toll on the Stone Bridge (Akmens Tilts) or the Vanšu Bridge once the northern bridge was built in order to encourage drivers to use alternative routes.

Šlesers also said that there is disagreement as to what exactly should be built. He wants to see a bridge erected, while Sergei Dolgopolov, chief the city’s development department, would prefer a tunnel.

Šlesers said the project has an estimated price tag of €770 million, which would include 30 km (20 miles) of roads linking the bridge or tunnel with several major avenues on both sides of the river.

“There are several financial models being discussed,” said Šlesers. “But it’s clear today that Riga can’t finance construction from the city budget. We need to attract funds from somewhere else.”

Šlesers wants to begin work on the project as soon as possible, without waiting for clarity on EU financing, while Dolgopolov believes that construction cannot begin earlier than 2014, when EU funds will become available. [/private_subscription 1 month] [private_subscription 4 months]the city wanted to proceed with a much-needed bridge or tunnel further north.

Even with the Southern Bridge, Riga’s woeful traffic demands a fourth bridge — or even a tunnel — across the Daugava, but since the city is well short of funding, civic leaders are at a loss to how to come up with funds.

Previously it was reported that Riga might introduce a bridge toll on the Stone Bridge (Akmens Tilts) or the Vanšu Bridge once the northern bridge was built in order to encourage drivers to use alternative routes.

Šlesers also said that there is disagreement as to what exactly should be built. He wants to see a bridge erected, while Sergei Dolgopolov, chief the city’s development department, would prefer a tunnel.

Šlesers said the project has an estimated price tag of €770 million, which would include 30 km (20 miles) of roads linking the bridge or tunnel with several major avenues on both sides of the river.

“There are several financial models being discussed,” said Šlesers. “But it’s clear today that Riga can’t finance construction from the city budget. We need to attract funds from somewhere else.”

Šlesers wants to begin work on the project as soon as possible, without waiting for clarity on EU financing, while Dolgopolov believes that construction cannot begin earlier than 2014, when EU funds will become available. [/private_subscription 4 months] [private_subscription 1 year]the city wanted to proceed with a much-needed bridge or tunnel further north.

Even with the Southern Bridge, Riga’s woeful traffic demands a fourth bridge — or even a tunnel — across the Daugava, but since the city is well short of funding, civic leaders are at a loss to how to come up with funds.

Previously it was reported that Riga might introduce a bridge toll on the Stone Bridge (Akmens Tilts) or the Vanšu Bridge once the northern bridge was built in order to encourage drivers to use alternative routes.

Šlesers also said that there is disagreement as to what exactly should be built. He wants to see a bridge erected, while Sergei Dolgopolov, chief the city’s development department, would prefer a tunnel.

Šlesers said the project has an estimated price tag of €770 million, which would include 30 km (20 miles) of roads linking the bridge or tunnel with several major avenues on both sides of the river.

“There are several financial models being discussed,” said Šlesers. “But it’s clear today that Riga can’t finance construction from the city budget. We need to attract funds from somewhere else.”

Šlesers wants to begin work on the project as soon as possible, without waiting for clarity on EU financing, while Dolgopolov believes that construction cannot begin earlier than 2014, when EU funds will become available. [/private_subscription 1 year]

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