“On the left bank, on the side of Kaunas Castle, the support will not be built until an environmental impact assessment is carried out. This is a “Natura 2000” territory, so the municipality, caring for the environment, responds to the concerns of environmentalists and takes a responsible approach to the situation.
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We initiated this decision voluntarily – the potential impact of the bridge structure on the river and ecosystem will be fully assessed. Construction will take longer than we planned, but this way we will be calm both about nature and the progress of the work,” says Tadas Metelionis, Director of Kaunas City Municipality Administration.
The new connection between the confluence of Nemunas and Neris and P. Vileišis Bridge began construction last autumn. Reinforced concrete supports are visible at the site of the future bridge.
In parallel, a 302-meter long and 6.5-meter wide bridge deck is being manufactured, which will soon reach the construction site. 961 tons of steel will be used for it alone. The results of the ongoing environmental impact assessment will show how the construction of the future bridge should be completed.
The EIA will cover only the left bank of the Neris, located near Kaunas Castle. Work will be fully resumed there after receiving expert conclusions. On the other side of the bank, work will proceed as usual.
The so-called Brasta Bridge, intended exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, will harmoniously integrate into the paths on both sides of the river. It will be the longest connection of its kind extending over a river in Lithuania.
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The new bridge will undoubtedly improve communication between the Old Town and the rapidly growing Vilijampolė. Its architecture will also harmoniously blend with the city’s panorama.
Currently, two more bridges are being built in Kaunas. A pedestrian and cyclist connection of similar purpose is rising between Nemunas Island and Žemoji Freda, and the construction of Santaka Bridge is rapidly approaching completion between Užnemunė and Brasta streets. This one will have four traffic lanes, pedestrian and bicycle paths.
Earlier, the first of four grandiose constructions in Kaunas was completed near Eiguliai – a viaduct with deceleration and acceleration lanes was opened.
The city’s future plans include a new artery between Šilainiai and Eiguliai, connecting Baltų Prospect with Žeimenos and Jonavos streets.
