Via Lietuva Launches Public Procurement for Zarasai Bypass Project Using PPP Model

Via Lietuva has initiated a public procurement process for the Zarasai bypass project, opting for a public-private partnership (PPP) model. This approach is designed not only to construct the bypass but also to ensure its long-term maintenance and quality over a 25-year contract period. The initial three years will focus on design and construction, with the remaining 22 years dedicated to upkeep and renovation.

The project involves building a 9.34-kilometer, two-lane, third-category highway. This new route will branch off from the A6 Kaunas–Zarasai–Daugpilis highway, bypass Zarasai, and then rejoin the main road. The goal is to divert transit and heavy vehicle traffic away from the city center, thereby decreasing traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution, while simultaneously improving road safety.

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I am glad that we are finally starting to practically apply the PPP model in Lithuania, which allows important projects to be implemented much faster. The Zarasai bypass is one of the first examples that long-awaited changes can happen now, not in a few decades.

Lithuanian Minister of Transport Juras Taminskas expressed his satisfaction with the adoption of the PPP model, stating it allows for faster implementation of crucial projects. "I am glad that we are finally starting to practically apply the PPP model in Lithuania, which allows important projects to be implemented much faster," he said. "The Zarasai bypass is one of the first examples that long-awaited changes can happen now, not in a few decades."

Via Lietuva explained that the Zarasai bypass project has been in development for a long time, with planning documents prepared. However, funding sources remained elusive for years. The PPP model was chosen as a solution to enable the project's current realization while ensuring efficient infrastructure management throughout its lifecycle. Martynas Gedaminskas, CEO of Via Lietuva, stated, "By announcing the public procurement, we are moving from preparation to actual project implementation. We expect a competitive process and interest from strong market participants."

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By announcing the public procurement, we are moving from preparation to actual project implementation. We expect a competitive process and interest from strong market participants.