Ukmergė faces transport chaos as key bridges and overpasses undergo simultaneous repairs

Ukmergė is bracing for significant traffic disruptions as a period of intense road construction begins, highlighting the vulnerability of the city's transportation system. Four vital overpasses on the A2 highway surrounding the city, Taujėnų, Dukstynos, Vaitkuškio, and Kurėnų, are all being reconstructed simultaneously, with some older structures demolished and traffic rerouted. These projects are expected to continue through 2026-2027.

While the necessity of repairing the dilapidated overpasses is not disputed, the concurrent commencement of a major overhaul of the primary bridge over the Šventoji River in Ukmergė has created a paradoxical situation. Starting in late July, this main bridge will only permit one-way traffic from Užupis to the city center on weekdays. Those needing to return to Užupis will face lengthy detours via the highway, which is already burdened by the ongoing overpass reconstruction.

This convergence of projects effectively divides Ukmergė into two parts. One side hosts the city center, hospital, and essential services, while the other, Užupis, contains residential areas, businesses, and thousands of inhabitants. A journey that typically takes minutes will now involve navigating the city's outskirts and the highway. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that a second bridge over the Šventoji, part of a southern bypass for Ukmergė, has been on the drawing board since 2006, with plans adjusted and studies conducted over two decades, yet no construction has materialized.

The core issue, according to local sentiment, is not the need for repairs but the prolonged inaction on creating an alternative route. Questions are being raised about the strategic planning behind undertaking simultaneous repairs on multiple critical transport links without a viable alternative bridge. Concerns also extend to the potential impact on emergency services, public transport, and heavy goods vehicles, especially in the event of highway accidents. While the municipality points to "Via Lietuva" as the entity responsible for state-level road projects, it is criticized for failing to adequately represent residents' interests and demand a coordinated traffic management plan to prevent widespread chaos.