Vilnius Tunnel Flooded After Storm; Opening Delayed by Drainage Issues

The recently constructed Tarandė tunnel in Vilnius, Lithuania, has been inundated with water following a severe thunderstorm, leaving residents questioning the project's progress. Images shared by locals showed standing water in the tunnel even the day after the storm, raising concerns about its functionality.

Vytenis Radžiūnas, a spokesperson for "Via Lietuva," confirmed that while the final stages of work on the adjacent A2 highway are nearing completion, the tunnel itself cannot open for traffic until the surface water drainage system is fully designed and installed. "Currently, the final works on the A2 highway are underway, which are planned to be completed during August," Radžiūnas stated. "We are coordinating possibilities to restore traffic on the highway as soon as possible in the usual manner. However, the tunnel itself will only be opened for traffic after the design and installation of the surface water drainage system are completed."

The drainage system's development has been complicated by the withdrawal of a private investor, "Darnu group," which was initially expected to co-finance the project and utilize the collected rainwater. Due to the prolonged implementation of the project, the private investor pulled out. Consequently, a decision was made to design a new, independent rainwater drainage system.

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Currently, the final works on the A2 highway are underway, which are planned to be completed during August. We are coordinating possibilities to restore traffic on the highway as soon as possible in the usual manner. However, the tunnel itself will only be opened for traffic after the design and installation of the surface water drainage system are completed.

"Via Lietuva" is currently in the process of designing these networks, aiming to ensure efficient rainwater collection and discharge under projected rainfall intensities, adhering to current regulations and hydraulic calculations. The company expects that the new system will significantly improve surface water management and reduce the risk of tunnel flooding during both normal and heavy downpours. "Therefore, during exceptional downpours, temporary water accumulation may occur even in properly functioning systems," Radžiūnas noted, referencing that nearly 35 mm of precipitation fell in the Vilnius region overnight, nearly 40-45% of the monthly norm.

The exact opening date for the Tarandė tunnel remains uncertain. It depends on the completion of the new drainage system's design, obtaining necessary permits, and its subsequent construction. The installation of a pedestrian and bicycle path is also contingent on resolving the surface water drainage issue.

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Therefore, during exceptional downpours, temporary water accumulation may occur even in properly functioning systems.