Vilnius plans to build four new pedestrian and cycling bridges, one car bridge, and redevelop public spaces along the Neris River, Mayor Valdas Benkunskas has said.
“It’s clear that we’re not fully using the river as a public space or taking advantage of its economic potential,” Benkunskas told reporters. “Right now, the Neris is more of an obstacle to mobility than a connecting element.”
The mayor said that in the long term, the Lithuanian capital could have a total of nine bridges.
In addition to the Albertas Bridge – now under construction to link Gostauto and Upes streets – the city plans to build the Kernaves Bridge between Snipiskes and Naujamiestis, the Uzvingis Bridge connecting Vingis Park to the Litexpo exhibition centre, a pedestrian and cycling bridge between Antakalnis and Zirmunai, and a new road bridge between Lazdyneliai and Vilkpede.
The Uzvingis Bridge design is nearly complete, and construction is expected to begin next year, Benkunskas said.
The broader vision includes redeveloping riverfront areas from Vilkpede to Verkiai, expanding beaches and walking paths in Vingis Park and Valakampiai, and building new bike lanes between Siltnamiu Street and Uzvingis Bridge, from Verkiai to Upes Street, and from Valakampiai to Vileisio Street.
“In new neighbourhoods like Lazdyneliai and Siaures miestelis, we’ll focus on bridges and cycling infrastructure, while in the city centre, we’ll prioritise cafe areas, leisure spaces, and active recreation zones,” Benkunskas said.
He added that the city wanted to boost river transport with new electric boats that would be integrated into Vilnius’ public transportation system.
The city also plans to redevelop the area around the CUP shopping centre near the White Bridge, including the creation of an underground parking garage and new public spaces.
“The key goal is to build an underground parking facility so people can leave their cars here and continue to workplaces, events, or leisure destinations in the city center on foot or by bike,” Benkunskas said.
Design planning for the CUP area is underway, with construction expected to start in 2028.
Meanwhile, the city intends to build outdoor swimming pools near the White Bridge.
“Residents have expressed strong interest in an outdoor pool by the bridge,” Benkunskas said, noting that the facility would operate mainly during the warm season.
An architectural competition is scheduled for 2026, and the project could be completed until 2030. (LRT)