What are pedestrian overpasses and tunnels?

Pedestrian overpasses and tunnels are structures that ensure the free movement of people across the railway line. Pedestrian overpasses and tunnels are designed so that they can be used by pedestrians, cyclists and persons with reduced mobility.

Where are pedestrian overpasses and tunnels used?

Pedestrian overpasses and tunnels are especially important in urban and sub-urban areas, where a dense network of transport connections on both sides of the railway line exist, and where these connections cannot be destroyed (in some cases, they may even need to be improved). It is a priority of the Rail Baltica project to use pedestrian overpasses with ramps, elevators and stairs as much as possible, leaving tunnels as a secondary choice to be used in cases where there is not enough physical space to construct a pedestrian overpass. Tunnels are only the preferred solution in locations with existing or upcoming cycling lanes.

The design and visual identity of pedestrian overpasses and tunnels

The inspiration for the design of pedestrian overpasses comes from the repeating modular elements of traditional roofing on Baltic buildings. The main principle for tunnel designs is to ensure that the tunnels are well-lit and secure.

*The images are illustrative and may differ from final design of infrastruture objects.

What is a noise barrier?

A noise barrier is a very popular mitigation measure that protects inhabitants from noise pollution caused by railway operation. Noise barriers can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, glass, soil and recycled materials.

Where are they used?

Noise barriers are most typically used in areas where a railway line is built next to existing residential buildings. The exact placement of noise barriers is determined based on the results of noise modelling. Through noise modelling, it is possible to identify areas where noise limits are exceeded and special protection is needed.

The design and visual identity of noise barriers

The inspiration for the design of noise barriers comes from the repeating modular elements of traditional roofing on Baltic buildings. The design and visual identity of noise barriers near the Rail Baltica railway will be dependent on the location of the barriers – they may take different forms in urban areas, sub-urban areas and rural areas. It is important that noise barriers not only protect adjacent areas from noise pollution, but also fit well into existing landscapes.

*The images are illustrative and may differ from final design of infrastruture objects.

The complex construction of the Riga railway bridge, the embankment and the Riga Central Passenger Station is carried out based on the chosen design solution. This is a sketch of the project for the station and the development of its surroundings created by PLH Arkitekter in cooperation with COWI (Denmark).

During the construction, four new 2.6 km long European gauge (1435 mm) tracks, four new railway lines, a new street along with the demolition of the existing embankment, in order to organize the rail traffic along the ramp, as well as a new 1 km long bridge over the river Daugava and small Daugava will be developed.

Along with the introduction of the European gauge railway in the center of Riga, the modernization of the railway will also create a modern, aesthetically attractive station infrastructure and a multimodal transport junction, increasing mobility, safety, accessibility and also giving Riga new features by visually and functionally connecting parts of the city separated by a railway embankment, as well as a new railway bridge connecting both banks of Daugava easily for pedestrians and cyclists.

Active construction work is underway on the creation of the Rail Baltica Riga Central Node. Construction is taking place on the southern side of the facility, in a more than two-kilometer-long construction zone, with the construction of overpasses, the new station building and multimodal traffic junction, the installation of new engineering communications, etc. At the beginning of 2024, the future Rail Baltica Central Station was celebrated with a rooftop ceremony. With the completion of the fourth arch on the south side of the station in February 2024, the construction of the new station’s roof structure was finished. The construction of the new Rail Baltica bridge over the Daugava has also started.

Find out more about Riga Central Station here or watch the Central Station Vision video.

The new Rail Baltica station at the Riga International Airport is the first high-speed rail to air connection center in the Baltics and the most ambitious infrastructure project in the Baltics to date linking a multimodal railway station with an airport passenger terminal.

The project involves the construction of a three-level station building and, considering the Latvian wooden architectural traditions, wood has been chosen as the dominant element of the station facade, and the construction of a ramp to Riga and Jaunmarupe. In order to take up less space, the Rail Baltica railway station and the Riga airport will be located on a railway elevation approximately 10 meters high. An embankment and a 113 m long railway overpass on K. Ulmana gatve will be constructed. It is planned to build two railway tracks, so that the newly built high-speed Rail Baltica train can run 4 times a day. The development of the infrastructure will also allow the development of cargo handling services, as it will allow to establish the connection of the rail freight branch to the airport. Passengers will also be able to reach the airport by regularly operating regional train services.

The tracks, all systems and structures will be fully integrated into the existing airport infrastructure, forming a modern and multifunctional passenger service complex that will be connected to the new extension of the airport's passenger terminal. The new solutions will provide unprecedented mobility and convenience for passengers.

The construction of the Rail Baltica station and related infrastructure at Riga International Airport commenced in the summer of 2021. The construction is being carried out by the international competition winner consortium B.S.L. Infra, consisting of the Austrian company Swietelsky AG and Latvian construction companies SIA Binders and AS LNK Industries. The joint venture Forma2 and Prointec oversee the project construction and fulfill FIDIC engineer duties. Construction is based on the project of the winning consortium of three countries, PROSIV, comprising Sintagma (Italy), Prodex (Slovakia), and Vektors T (Latvia), selected through an open international competition.

More information about the Rail Baltica terminal at the Riga International Airport is available (in Latvian) here. Watch a video here.

What are regional stations and stops?

Rail Baltica’s “regional stations and stops” will be constructed to secure passenger services for regional traffic. The implementation of regional stops and stations will be a national responsibility of each Baltic country. Depending on the amount of passenger traffic, there are three types of regional stations or stops – basic stations, landmark stations and platform stations.

Where will regional stations and stops be constructed and what are their main functionalities?

The Rail Baltica Operational plan estimates that there will be several regional train stations and stops in each Baltic country: 12 in Estonia, 15 in Latvia and 10 in Lithuania. All regional stations and stops will be designed so that they are accessible for all types of passengers and are compatible with all modes of transport – including bicycles, public transport, and private cars. Every station and stop will have a parking lot, e-car charging stations, and bicycle parking facilities.

The design and visual identity of regional stations and stops

The main inspiration for the design of regional stations and stops comes from traditional roofing on Baltic buildings and from the Baltic Sea itself.

*The images are illustrative and may differ from final design of infrastruture objects.

What is an animal passage?

An animal passage is a structure that ensures the secure migration and movement of wild animals across railway lines.

Where are they used?

An animal passage is used in areas where a medium or large amount of mammal disruption has been identified. The exact placement of animal passages is determined through careful monitoring studies, during which the concentration, migration routes and habits of animals are identified. In addition to animal passages that span over the railway, animals can also cross the railway line under bridges or through culverts. It is important to note that the behaviour of animals will be further monitored during the construction and operational phases of the project.

The design and visual identity of animal passages

The inspiration for the design of animal passages comes from the natural forests of the Baltic countries and the shapes of coniferous trees.

*The images are illustrative and may differ from final design of infrastruture objects.

What are embankments and cuts?

An embankment is a structure used to support a railway line when obstacles are present. They are made from compacted mineral materials that form a waterproof and non-porous structure, thereby ensuring long-term surface stability. A cut is similar to an embankment, but for areas where the surrounding terrain is higher than the desired route.

Where are they used?

Typically, embankments and cuts are used in places where a railway crosses other transport infrastructure (such as roads) or natural objects (such as rivers or bogs), or where certain natural terrain features need to be overcome. They are effective in places where it is necessary to keep the same gradient while working around existing terrain.

The design and visual identity of embankments and cuts

The inspiration for the design of landscape elements such as embankments and cuts comes from the roofing on traditional Baltic buildings and the repetitive elements that appear in houses in cities. Specific/bespoke landscape designs will be applied in cases where the railway line intersects roads or pedestrian infrastructure, or where it runs close to road infrastructure.

*The images are illustrative and may differ from final design of infrastruture objects.

What is a fence?

A “fence” is a structure that prevents external elements from causing high-speed train collisions, thus protecting people, animals and the railway infrastructure itself.

When are they used?

Fencing will be used on both sides of the railway along the entire Rail Baltica line. This is the first time that this approach is being used in the Baltic countries.

The design of fences

In most cases there will be no special visual identity for the fences – they will be simple and industrial, while  fulfilling their primary goal of protecting people, animals and the train line. The only exception will be for fences in station areas, where extra visual features will be applied.

*The images are illustrative and may differ from final design of infrastruture objects.