Kaunas Bridge Construction Halted Over Environmental Concerns, Contractor to Receive Compensation

Construction on a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Neris River in Kaunas, Lithuania, has been suspended due to unforeseen environmental concerns. The Kaunas City Municipality and the contractor, UAB "Autokausta," have signed an agreement to halt work on key components of the project, including the third bridge support, riverbank restoration, and metal superstructure installation.

The suspension stems from the discovery that planned riverbank filling and island excavation, outlined in the technical project, cannot proceed without undergoing full environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures. An earlier conclusion regarding the impact on "Natura 2000" territories was invalidated, with the State Service for Protected Areas concluding that the project could significantly harm these protected zones, mandating a comprehensive EIA.

As a result of these environmental hurdles, work is paused until necessary permits are secured, with a maximum extension until June 30, 2027. The contractor's work execution period has been extended by 12 months, bringing the total timeframe to 36 months instead of the initially planned 24. The project's fundamental design will be altered, with recommendations from EIA institutions suggesting the abandonment of riverbank restoration and island excavation. The third support will now be designed within the riverbed itself, requiring adjustments to its structure and further assessment of hydraulic and biological impacts.

This significant revision of the project has also increased its cost. Adjusting the work project will cost nearly 115,000 euros. Furthermore, the municipality has agreed to compensate "Autokausta" for monthly losses amounting to approximately 39,535 euros during the suspension period. If the work remains halted for the full 12 months, these compensation payments could reach around 474,000 euros. The contractor will also be reimbursed for 80% of the value of pre-purchased structures upon their delivery to the site, even if not yet installed. The original contract, signed in June, valued the bridge construction at approximately 9.5 million euros.