The new Riga Central Station has reached a major construction milestone with the completion of the façade and glazed roof of its southern section, together with the installation of its decorative and functional elements. The works, carried out by the BERERIX consortium, mean that the station has now taken on its intended architectural appearance, which until now had only been visible in project visualisations.
The total glazed surface area of the new station building amounts to 1,500 square metres. The façade features high-quality glass structures and architectural design elements, together with integrated functional solutions, including fixtures for fire safety systems and building maintenance (industrial rope access). The façade and roof glazing structures were manufactured in Italy, where they also underwent load and quality testing. The tests confirmed the structures’ resistance to air and water exposure, as well as mechanical impacts, ensuring their durability and suitability for Latvia’s climatic conditions, including harsh winters.
In June, the main construction works were also completed on the three new passenger platforms. Access routes have been built and lifts installed at both ends of the platforms, enabling passengers to reach the platforms directly from ground level. The passenger infrastructure has also been completed, including the construction of modern, functional platform canopies that are architecturally integrated with the station building and continue seamlessly to the Timoteja Street entrance/exit. The canopies also incorporate glazed design elements.
The platform surfaces are finished with R11-rated porcelain tiles manufactured in Europe and designed specifically for outdoor use, providing a high level of slip resistance in both dry and wet conditions. These tiles are widely used at railway stations across Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe, as they are particularly well suited to areas with heavy passenger traffic while offering high durability, easy maintenance and a long service life.
Interior finishing works are continuing inside the station building, alongside the integration of engineering and safety systems and the final installation of utility infrastructure. At the same time, BERERIX has begun landscaping the station’s southern square, paving the surrounding area, and plans to commence planting and greening works when seasonal conditions are suitable.