A comprehensive reconstruction was carried out on this section of the Main Road A1 Vilnius–Kaunas–Klaipėda (from 56.97 km to 87.44 km) with the goal of enhancing road safety, increasing capacity, and providing a safer and more comfortable travel experience. The project addressed key issues related to pedestrian safety, wildlife intrusion, and outdated road infrastructure.
Project Solutions:
- Pedestrian Safety:
Prior to reconstruction, safe pedestrian crossings were lacking. New underground pedestrian crossings were installed to ensure safe pedestrian movement and significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians. - Wildlife Protection:
The previous road segment did not have adequate wildlife barriers. As part of the project, protective fencing and barriers were installed to prevent animals from entering the roadway, reducing the risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. - Acceleration and Deceleration Lanes:
Many of the existing acceleration and deceleration lanes were geometrically inadequate or missing altogether. The reconstruction included the installation and improvement of these lanes, ensuring smoother traffic flow and greater safety. - Safety Barriers:
The median barriers did not meet modern containment standards. These were replaced and upgraded to meet current traffic safety requirements, improving overall safety for road users. - Increased Speed Limit:
The speed limit was raised from 110 km/h to 130 km/h after the upgrade, helping reduce travel time and increasing driver convenience by enabling faster and smoother travel.
Project Benefits:
- Improved Safety:
The implementation of underground crossings, secure pedestrian infrastructure, and wildlife barriers has significantly enhanced traffic safety for both drivers and pedestrians. - Faster Travel:
The increased speed limit to 130 km/h has shortened travel times, contributing to a more convenient and reliable journey. Improved logistics and transport efficiency are direct results. - Upgraded Infrastructure:
The reconstruction upgraded critical elements of the road infrastructure, improving traffic capacity and reducing congestion, leading to smoother traffic flow. - Economic Growth:
Improved infrastructure and faster connections contribute to economic development by enabling better access to major cities and the Port of Klaipėda, thus fostering regional trade and business growth.
The implementation of this project has significantly enhanced driving conditions, increased safety, and ensured faster and more convenient connectivity between Lithuania’s major cities and the Port of Klaipėda. The addition of underground crossings, upgraded acceleration and deceleration lanes, protective barriers, and a higher speed limit have all contributed to improved traffic safety and efficiency on this critical transport corridor.