Despite the rising water in the river, which covered the embankment this spring, several years of work is coming to an end. “The river is an important artery of the city, which we aim to renew and improve as much as possible. After repairing the embankment, we return the active city life to the coast, and the river harmoniously complements the city’s public spaces and becomes one of them”, says Vilnius City Mayor Valdas Benkunskas.
During the reconstruction of the left section of the Neris embankment from the Šilo bridge to the Vileišiai brothers’ square, bicycle and pedestrian paths were arranged, lighting was installed, rain collection systems were formed, and the sections were supplemented with small architectural elements. The embankment slope has also been repaired – it has been planted with new plants.
“Safe and comfortable travel to the city center from Žirmūnai and Antakalnis is already possible on the left side of the embankment. We hope that the reconstruction of this section will encourage more Vilnius residents to switch from cars to bicycles, and city guests to discover one of the oldest districts of the capital – Antakalni, which has a rich history and cultural heritage,” says Laura Joffė, head of the Vilnius Development Company.
On the embankment at P. Vileišios street, a carriageway for bicycle traffic has been installed, where bicycles are given priority. The red asphalt cycle path works on the principle of slower traffic – the speed of vehicles is limited not only by road signs, but also by raised hills designed to reduce speed.
Bicycles can be ridden on the street no faster than 30 km/h.
During the works on the Neris embankment in P. Vileišios street, after removing part of the asphalt surface, a stone pavement laid between the wars, around 1930, was found. In coordination with the Department of Cultural Heritage, the planned bike path was built incorporating the found pavement. The left section of the Neris embankment from Žvēryn to Žirmūnai is being managed in stages.
This spring, the section from the Vileišiai brothers’ square to the Green bridge also began to be cleaned. These reconstruction works are planned to be completed in 2025. the first half of the year.
The waterfront renovation works are largely financed by the European Union’s structural funds, 15 percent. the value of the project is allocated from the budgets of the state and Vilnius city municipality. The reconstruction of the section of the Neris embankment, from the Vileišiai Brothers Square to the Green Bridge, is financed by the Vilnius City Municipality.
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