Construction of the Rail Baltica station at Riga Airport: Progress and Key Updates

Construction of the Rail Baltica station at Riga Airport continues actively, enhancing future transportation connections. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Rail Baltica railway at the airport will run along a viaduct, improving transport connections significantly. Contractor BSL Infra has completed the construction of the station’s reinforced concrete frame, now reaching three stories. Eventually, the station will connect to the airport by a pedestrian bridge, and the railway will extend toward Riga and Jaunmārupe.

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The viaduct to Jaunmārupe will stretch approximately 800 meters, while the one toward Riga will exceed one kilometer. The work is divided into several phases, depending on available funding and contractor resources. The active construction area has now shifted from the station to the viaducts, indicating significant progress on the project.

First Stage of Construction of the Rail Baltica Station

In the direction of Jaunmārupe, the contractor has already installed 96 piles to ensure the structure’s stability. They have also begun demolishing the old office building on Piestatnes Street 6, clearing space for new infrastructure. At the airport, reconstruction of engineering networks, the boiler house, and the fueling station is ongoing to prepare for the future viaduct.

Next Step in Construction of the Rail Baltica Station

In the direction of Riga, reconstruction has started at the airport parking area, where piles for the viaduct are being installed. To reduce noise and vibration during pile driving, contractors use the drilling and concreting method known as the Kelly method, rather than traditional pile driving, which minimizes environmental impact.

Currently, the station has reached a height of 20 meters, including the reinforced concrete structure. The total height, including the roof, will be 25 meters. The station and adjacent viaduct will require approximately 23,000 cubic meters of concrete, emphasizing the scale of the project.

The Rail Baltica station will withstand high dynamic loads from trains traveling at speeds up to 120 km/h, ensuring system safety and stability. The project is being executed by the international consortium BSL Infra, including Latvian companies and Austrian construction giant Swietelsky AG.

The Rail Baltica project represents a key step in modernizing the Baltic region’s transport infrastructure. The project includes a 4.5-kilometer railway line and a multi-level station designed for high-speed trains. It will serve as a major hub for passenger and freight transport, enhancing the region’s accessibility for business and tourism.

Rail Baltica will become part of the Trans-European Transport Corridor, connecting Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia with Europe’s railway network. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 249 km/h, significantly reducing travel time between cities and countries.

One key feature of the project is the complete electrification of the railway line, making it environmentally sustainable. Additionally, the traffic management system will meet modern European standards, ensuring safe and efficient train operations.

Rail Baltica will serve as the foundation for further regional infrastructure development, solidifying its role as a vital transit hub. The project’s implementation will strengthen connections between the Baltic states and Europe while fostering cultural and economic exchange.

The project is managed by the international joint venture RB Rail AS, comprising representatives from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. This is the largest infrastructure project in Baltic history, and its successful completion will enhance the region’s position on the global transportation stage.

This large-scale construction plays a crucial role not only in regional development but also in improving transportation connectivity across Europe. Rail Baltica will become an integral part of the global transport network, meeting high standards of safety and quality.

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