The Soviet modernisation of the public road landscape

Abstract

Under the Soviet regime and as part of the development of the economy, the Latvian road infrastructure and its associated landscape went through major changes. Through modernisation old roads were straightened, historically established road routes and their surroundings changed, new roads planned and constructed, some elements of the road landscape disappeared and new ones emerged. Snow and wind protection hedges were planted along open stretches. With the increase of public transport many unique bus stop pavilions rest areas for drivers and tourists were constructed. A lot of attention was paid to roadside views and aesthetics through the use of tree plantings. The aim of this study was to explore the heritage of road planning and landscape development in Latvia during the Soviet era from 1945 to 1991. The study used literature review and analyses of maps and archival materials from the Latvian road museum supported by fieldwork. Elements which are disappearing as the road network is upgraded through European structural funding were identified through map analyses of different time periods and a number of field studies of sample stretches of roads, were undertaken. The road infrastructure and the landscape of that time is part of the cultural heritage of the 20th century and is connected to the development of the rural economy and collectivisation and to military preparedness. The study uncovered a well-developed road planning and landscape design theory which was applied in Latvia and used as an example in other Soviet Republics.