It is unclear whether the aim is to create convenient conditions for city residents or for the companies and their contractors managing the city.
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I have often encountered situations where it seemed that the time of city residents, their ability to reach home or work, or to safely pass through a street under repair was a secondary issue. Therefore, I share ten principles that must be followed in the city.
First – work quickly on priority city arteries
“And they are fixing it here?” – self-ironic signs might be amusing, but not when work is happening right next to them. I carefully observed all summer and city infrastructure officials what was happening, for example, on the viaduct being repaired on Ozo – Ukmergės streets. Traffic jams formed in the middle of the day, midsummer, on Sunday when coming from the Ice Palace side. Were there workers there on Sunday? No. An absolutely priority city artery, a huge scale of work, and a relaxing work pace.
Second – count traffic flows before closing a street
City companies have plenty of transport engineers who have data from city cameras, drones, mobile phone users, and their movements. It seems that this data is not used. Due to small work completions at a convenient time for contractors, the traffic jam to Pilaitė on Narbuto street lasted until dusk. Two closed lanes for a left turn caused thousands of Vilnius residents to waste hours, and these works could have been finished at night outside peak hours.
Third – think about where people will park before erecting a fence
This is especially relevant in districts like Naujamiestis, where parking spaces are already scarce. When construction fences suddenly appear there, new tension arises. The city can do more. Inform residents about alternatives, talk to nearby shopping centers or other parking lot managers about the possibility of leaving cars there in the evenings. The city is full of elders and officials who could help, but sometimes they tell me they only learn about the works when they see a tractor arriving.
Fourth – pedestrians are not pushovers
I know that people in the municipality tried to open as many major streets closed for repairs as possible by September 1. Seeing that there were still many traffic jams in the city, a message was issued recommending “to choose public transport or walk.”
Maybe they didn’t see that pedestrian passages are often the last priority in many places. It shouldn’t be like that. We have requested information on how contractors are penalized for failing to ensure safe traffic conditions – this year all Vilnius road managers were fined only 500 euros excluding VAT for this. Only that! This shows that ensuring traffic safety is not a priority.
Fifth – do not forget the businesses operating on the street during repairs
After the Freedom faction’s appeal to the Infrastructure group, at least signs appeared on the tarps indicating cafes and shops that temporarily became less accessible. But basically, the situation of surrounding businesses was not considered. Work schedules changed, but there was no information. Without the city’s help, businesses simply cannot survive under such conditions. When works last for months, a specific support package for small businesses is necessary. And the city can and should provide it without question. Next week I am meeting with businesses affected by infrastructure works to discuss changes in city policy in this area.
Sixth – universal design must be followed without exceptions
Even when repairing cultural heritage areas, solutions can be found to avoid stairs and thresholds. I remind you that at the intersection of “Žinija” society, Islandijos, and Vilniaus streets, an entire sidewalk was raised so that the building entrance would be step-free. Do we see the same in all repaired sites? Unfortunately, no. On Trakų street, accessibility was debated for a long time, but after the repair, there will still be plenty of steps.
Seventh – repairs should be an opportunity to improve the street, not just replace the asphalt
New asphalt alone is only half the job. With smart design, especially in the city center, there is often enough space on the sides to install continuous parking. Such a solution creates new parking opportunities and separates pedestrians from the street. Sometimes there is also space for bike lanes. And more of those are needed!
A good example is the Subačius street repair, where the current mayor narrowed the street and created a new bike lane. A bad example is the J. Basanavičius street repair, where they worked for a long time but still did not create more space for pedestrians.
Eighth – it is mandatory to respond to residents’ reports about dangerous traffic
If residents report speeding – measures must be taken. Talking with the Rasų colony community, I heard that for some time no one has seriously responded to reports about garbage trucks and other vehicles speeding in the residential zone. If signage is insufficient and the police do not come, raised crosswalks or other traffic calming measures need to be planned.
Ninth – safety near schools must be an absolute priority
Every child must be able to safely reach school, no matter where in Vilnius it is. I am glad that together, after long requests, a raised crosswalk was made near the school on Žvejų street. I met JUDU representatives on September 2 who were surprised by the evening traffic situation. But such problems are still being solved too slowly.
Tenth – it is very important to care for and plant greenery
Statistics about thousands of new trees planted in forest edges no longer surprise anyone – trees are most needed in densely populated and intensively used areas. There they create shade, reduce heat, and make streets more pleasant for pedestrians. Tree-lined avenues along streets are especially lacking.
All these principles are essentially about one thing – attitude. Vilnius certainly has things to repair. We need to renew streets, heating networks, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure. So we must learn to repair not only more but better.
Faster where every closed hour costs thousands of people’s time. At night, when it helps reduce congestion. Safely for pedestrians. Taking into account local residents and businesses. Using repairs so that the street after them becomes not only newer but also more convenient.
City infrastructure must be maintained not just to tick off items on a work list, but to make life more comfortable for Vilnius residents.
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