2020. In 2020, a 100-meter-long and 1.5-meter-wide bridge over the Irbe River was renovated in Lielirbe, Tārgale Parish, Ventspils municipality. The facility has been put into operation and can be used safely, bearing in mind that no more than eight people can be on it at the same time.
The bridge included in the international long-distance hiking route “Jūrtaka” is accessible to everyone who loves outdoor recreation. “Jūrtaka”, which connects all the Baltic States, now marks a safe bridge. Previously, hikers had to meander off the highway and only then return to the sea, but now this section of the road is shorter.
The bridge is also available to the cyclists of the international cycling routes “EuroVelo 13” and “EuroVelo 10”.
The previous hanging bridge in Lielirbe was built by representatives of the USSR army in the early 1970s, but it was worn out throughout 50 years of operation and became unusable. During the research, it was concluded that the bridge is in poor technical condition and its operation endangers human life, therefore Ventspils municipality decided to renovate the bridge. This was possible through participation in the coastal development program.
The restoration of the pedestrian bridge over the Irbe river was noticed in the “Būvniecības gada balva 2020” competition. The facility has become a laureate in the “Territory improvement” nomination.