A pedestrian crossing in the Pašilaičiai neighborhood of Vilnius has become a real laughing stock on social media. Some internet users are criticizing such decisions by the city government, while others are trying to defend the decision.
A post that appeared on Facebook a few days ago has garnered a lot of reactions and discussions. The post contains photos of a pedestrian crossing on a section of Leičių Street, beyond which the road ends and a meadow and bushes begin.
In the comments, people are discussing whether it's an urban curiosity or just a possible unfinished project.
"A road to nowhere," writes a Vilnius resident.
"The additional money absorbed doesn't burn your pockets...", the resident comments.
"At this point, the sidewalk just needed to be extended and an unmarked crossing created," the man mused in the comments.
Others justify this decision.
"There is some logic to it, because if there were no zebra crossing there, it would become just another parking space, and pedestrians would have to bypass that "obstacle" by walking along the path," the internet user comments.
The municipality explained the crossing curiosity
Vilnius city municipality responded to the discussions raised by residents and explained to the news portal tv3.lt why the crossing appeared in such a place.
"The Leičių Street section project has been implemented in full, including a pedestrian crossing and lowered roadside curbs at the planned intersection with Bieliūnai Street," the municipality's response states.
According to them, extending the sidewalk at this time would not be financially viable, as the area will soon be redeveloped.
"It would not make financial sense to temporarily install a sidewalk in this location, because it would have to be dismantled during the implementation of the Bieliūnai Street extension project," explain the municipality's representatives.
It is also emphasized that the crossing is necessary, because otherwise residents might think that cars can be parked in this place.
"Without installing a crossing and allowing cars to park in this location, the Leičių Street project would not be completed, and drivers would be given the wrong impression of additional parking spaces that would not be available if Bieliūnai Street were developed," the municipality comments.
According to the municipality, the project to connect Bieliūnai Street with Leičių Street is already being prepared, so a logical pedestrian infrastructure solution should emerge at this location in the future.
The city government also reminds that the Road Traffic Rules must be followed in all cases, including the road markings installed in this area.
Author: Rūta Vildžiūnaitė, TV3.lt
