In 2020, a 100-meter-long and 1,5-meter-wide bridge over the Irbe River was renovated in Lielirbe, Tārgale parish, Ventspils region. The facility has been put into operation and can be safely used by pedestrians and cyclists, remembering that no more than eight people can be on the bridge at the same time.
The bridge, which is part of the international long-distance hiking route Jūrtaka, is available to all those who enjoy outdoor recreation. The “Jūrtaka”, which connects all the Baltic States, now features a safe bridge. Previously, hikers had to make a detour to get to the highway and only then return to the sea, but now this section of the road is shorter.
The bridge can also be used as an international cycling route EuroVelo 13 un EuroVelo 10 performers.
The previous cable-stayed bridge in Lielirbe was built in the early 50s by representatives of the USSR army, but it had been worn out and unusable for almost XNUMX years. During the research, it was concluded that the bridge was in poor technical condition and its operation posed a threat to human life, so the Ventspils regional government decided to renovate the bridge. This was possible through participation in the coastal development program.
The renovation of the pedestrian bridge over the Irbe River was noticed in the competition “Latvian Construction Association Annual Award 2020”. The object became a laureate in the nomination “Territorial Improvement”.