Ferrovial, through its Polish construction arm Budimex, together with partners in the ERB Rail joint venture (JV), has laid the foundation stone for the Rail Baltica high-speed line in Latvia.
The ERB Rail JV, an international consortium comprising Budimex, Eiffage Génie Civil, and Rizzani de Eccher, has been employed by Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas for the development. Budimex holds a 30% stake in the consortium.
Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas is the Rail Baltica national implementing body for the country.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the €3.7bn ($4.01bn) project in capital Riga, which was attended by the Rail Baltica team, representatives from the European Commission, and more.
A time capsule was buried at the site to represent its commitment to future generations.
The JV will be responsible for building 175 engineering structures, 11 wildlife crossings, 42 viaducts, 81 road bridges, and 32 rail bridges on the railway line spanning approximately 230km.
The Rail Baltica line is expected to be a catalyst for transportation development in the Baltic region, enhancing connectivity, economic growth, and social cohesion across Europe.
Budimex Management Committee general manager and chair Artur Popko said: “As part of the ERB Rail consortium, we are making a strategic investment for our entire region and will be responsible for the construction of the civil engineering and track.
“It is an honour to be chosen to build Rail Baltica, and it is also a challenge, given the scope of the project.”
Rail Baltica's mainline construction will cover railway substructures, embankments, road crossings, and railway superstructures, including tracks and related infrastructure.
Eiropas Dzelzceļa līnijas, with construction engineer Italferr, will manage and supervise the contract and costs. Latvia's Ministry of Transport will oversee contract execution. Italferr is part of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiano Group.
The project is funded by the Connecting Europe Facility, with close to 85% of its budget coming from this EU-based programme.
