One local resident expressed dissatisfaction with the decision of Latvijas dzelzceļš on social media, calling it yet another "gift" for the residents of the area. "Now we will have to go through the South Bridge or Daugmale — just at the beginning of the winter season. The pedestrian bridge has not been operational for at least 15 years. And why restore it if it will be demolished in 20 years as part of Rail Baltica anyway?" the woman wrote. According to her calculations, instead of the current 20 minutes, the commute will now take almost 50 minutes. She also emphasized that the closure of the crossing will significantly complicate the movement of residents on Krustpils Street, who previously could reach the 15th trolleybus more quickly. "Those who work here know very well how often public transport is delayed and how much time is spent in traffic jams. Previously, at least one could walk and transfer to the 15th trolleybus, but now that option will be gone," noted the author of the publication. She also criticized the organization of public transport in the area, stating that under the current situation, getting to the necessary place on time has become a real lottery. The problem of the closed pedestrian bridge at the Janavarti station has existed for many years. As previously reported by the Bez Tabu program, residents used an unofficial passage across the railway tracks since the nearest legal crossings are located at a significant distance. The old bridge is planned to be demolished as part of the Rail Baltica project, but the issue of a convenient and safe route for local residents remains relevant. Residents are also calling on representatives of the authorities – Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs and the head of the External Space and Mobility Committee Marta Kotello – to pay attention to the problem. ## ## The problem of the closed crossing at Janavarti station has been ongoing for over ten years The issue at Janavarti station is not new. As reported by the Bez Tabu program about three years ago, the pedestrian bridge at the station had been closed for over ten years, and residents were not offered a convenient and safe alternative for crossing the railway tracks. The nearest legal crossing towards the center was about a kilometer away. As reported by the television channel, many residents, in order to get to the Krustpils Street side, used open service gates and crossed eight railway tracks, despite the prohibition of being in that area. This route was used by people who commuted to work and returned home daily. At that time, a representative of Latvijas dzelzceļš, Agnese Licite, emphasized that such actions threaten the lives and health of people, as well as the safety of railway traffic. The company explained that the old pedestrian bridge is planned to be demolished as part of the Rail Baltica project and a new one will be built in its place. At that time, it was expected that this would take at least five years. 
