## Uneven Roads, Narrow Sidewalks The central part of the project will be a section of Valņu Street from Maza Smilšu Street to January 13 Street. The reconstruction will also affect sections of Kalku, Meistaru, and Amatu Streets – up to the Great Guild building. City officials lament that currently, in many places, the infrastructure is worn out, the road surface is uneven, there are no modern solutions for ensuring accessibility, and public space is still primarily oriented towards cars. In some sections of Valņu and Kalku Streets, the width of the sidewalks is only 1–2 meters, with entrances to shops and cafes located on them, which seriously complicates pedestrian movement – someone could get hit by a door swung open or spill hot coffee on themselves. This is the situation now. What will happen? After the project is implemented, pedestrian priority zones will be created on these streets, and the width of the roadway will be reduced. ## Sometimes They Come Back Another important goal of the project is to bring back businesses that tend to flee from the expensive and inconvenient Old Riga. After the reconstruction, entrepreneurs will be able to expand opportunities for placing summer cafes and terraces, as the new quality surface will allow them to be installed without additional platforms. Designers optimistically expect an increase in pedestrian traffic and the tourist appeal of Old Riga. During the reconstruction, the streets will be leveled – without drops between the sidewalks and the roadway. The entire area of the project will have its road surface renewed, making movement more convenient.  ## Save the Cobblestones from Youth At the same time, the historical cobblestones and stone curbs will be preserved. The historical paving will remain on the roadway wherever possible, and stone, granite, and clinker cobblestones will be laid in pedestrian areas. All new materials will comply with the historical appearance of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Where historical cobblestones form the authentic character of Old Riga, they will be preserved and restored. The project includes the construction of new stormwater drainage networks. In the most problematic area – from Maza Smilšu Street to Theater Street – engineering communications will be completely reconstructed, and a new rainwater drainage system will be built. This will reduce flooding in the basements of historical buildings and allow the use of basement spaces for commercial activities. ## Dark Alleys Will Become Bright Additionally, new green spaces and recreational areas are planned to be created. Where the location of engineering networks allows, trees and decorative shrubs will be planted, and throughout the project area, containers with plants, benches, and bins will be installed. Why? These solutions will improve the microclimate of Old Riga and make public spaces more comfortable for walking and relaxation, officials explain. At the same time, the street lighting system will be modernized, which will increase safety during nighttime. There will also be traffic calming measures and new signs. Bicycle parking will be provided so that visitors can dismount and walk on the cobblestones. ## How Much It Costs The total budget for the project will exceed 8.6 million euros. Of this, 5 million euros will be provided by the European Union under the program for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of European significance.