The Vilnius-Kaunas highway, which was opened almost 50 years ago, is preparing for a new stage - it is planned to be given the status of a freeway as early as next year. The final preparatory work should begin this year, which will allow drivers to drive faster and safer.
The A1 road, which connects the three Lithuanian cities of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, gives drivers mixed feelings. If the section Kaunas–Klaipeda in the warm season it has long been possible to overcome driving at 130 km/h. speed, in the Vilnius-Kaunas section the maximum permitted speed is slightly lower - 120 km/h.
Drivers traveling between the two largest cities of Lithuania have been waiting for a long time for this section to be granted highway status, which would allow the maximum speed to be increased to 130 km/h.
According to the calculations of the Directorate of Motor Vehicles of Lithuania, although it is not much, such an increase in speed would allow drivers to save a little time.
"According to theoretical calculations, if the permitted driving speed is increased, the average journey time per driver should be reduced by about 4 minutes.
However, please note that during the winter period, that is from November 1. until April 1, the duration of the journey for drivers will not change, because, as you know, the same driving speed is allowed on both highways and motorways during this period - 110 km/h," Justas, advisor of the Department of Road and Bridge Planning of State Importance, tells LRT.lt Norbut.
According to the interlocutor, a public procurement is currently underway, the purpose of which is to reorganize the existing parameters and elements of the Vilnius-Kaunas road, which currently do not meet the requirements for the highway.
"The works contract is planned to be concluded by April, and the works should be completed no later than 18 months from the date of signing the contract.
Until all the works provided for in the project are completed, the permissible driving speed on the Vilnius-Kaunas road section will not be increased," predicts J. Norbutas.
The planned works are related to the improvement of security. For example, the project envisages the installation of metal protective fences in the dividing lane where they currently do not meet the requirements set for highways.
It is also planned to install fences on some sections to ensure that pedestrians do not enter the carriageway and to improve protection against wild animals by installing special mesh fences.
"In certain sections, the installation of footpaths and crossings at different levels is planned. For example, at Skirmantiškės, Strošiūnas, Dėdeliškės.
In addition, it is planned to install speed control and warning systems, improve lighting," says J. Norbutas to LRT.lt.
It is true that once the Vilnius-Kaunas road is given the status of a highway, speed limits will still remain in certain sections.
"When the works provided for in the project are completed, a decision will be made on the application of the appropriate speed regime in separate, more socially sensitive sections of the road. For example, the section of the road passing through the village of Vievios will be inspected," says J. Norbutas on LRT.lt.
Of course, cars traveling at higher speeds can cause more noise and emit more air polluting substances, but according to Mr. Norbut, based on the conclusion of the responsible authorities, there will be no additional disturbances to the people living nearby due to increased noise and more pollution.
The interlocutor notes that the changed status of the road will not have a significant impact on maintenance during the winter, as this section of the road is currently being maintained at the highest level. However, special attention will be paid to maintaining the technical condition of the road, which, according to Mr. Norbut, has a direct impact on safe traffic.
