At the end of 2021, the implementation of the Vievis transport hub project (a two-level junction) began, and the Paparčiai viaduct was completely demolished, as its condition posed a danger to vehicles and their passengers. For this reason, the reconstruction of this viaduct was a priority in the list of priorities prepared by the Road Directorate for the construction, reconstruction, overhaul, planning, preparation and implementation of road structures (bridges, viaducts, flyovers, overpasses, tunnels) located on national roads.
According to Mr. Danielius, the biggest risk was that, due to the insecurity of the structure, the transport hub would eventually cease to function, firstly causing inconvenience to the public and private sectors, and then to all the residents who used it.
“Before the reconstruction work started, traffic on the existing viaduct, which is in a poor state of repair, had to be restricted to vehicles with a maximum weight of 20 tonnes. By delaying the reconstruction of the junction, the restrictions on the viaduct would have only increased, reducing the permissible weight of vehicles until the viaduct was closed to vehicles altogether,” says TEC Infrastructure’s project manager.
The aim of the project was to prepare a technical detailed design for the reconstruction of the intersection at different levels (the Paparčiai Viaduct), including connecting roads, additional infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, and noise attenuating barriers. A large team of TEC Infrastructure specialists worked on the project, including the head of the Roads Division, the project coordinator, employees of the Bridges Division – project manager, project manager of a part of the design documentation, and engineers.
At the intersection of A1 Vilnius-Kaunas-Klaipėda and 221 Vievis-Aukštadvaris, the existing viaduct in poor condition was first demolished and replaced with a new one. Three roundabouts, pedestrian and cycle paths, noise barriers, lighting and storm water networks were also installed. “Although not everything went according to plan, my team and I quickly and efficiently took the necessary decisions, taking into account the situation. As the design documentation for the old viaduct had not been preserved, the exact location of the old viaduct’s foundation structures was not known and only became clear after demolition and excavation. Therefore, in the course of the project, it was necessary to make minimal adjustments to the design by modifying the foundation
structures of the intermediate piers of the new viaduct. We managed the task successfully and continued with the work,” says G. Danielius, sharing the behind-the-scenes details.
The final completion of the works has enabled the residents of the city, the surrounding area and other road users to move safely and comfortably through the Vievis transport hub. “The vehicle infrastructure has been improved, removing the previous restrictions on vehicle weight, as well as providing pedestrian and cycle paths and lighting. In addition, the installation of noise barriers has reduced the noise from vehicles to the surrounding population.
The project was completed a month ahead of schedule, and the connecting roads and newly built roundabouts around the viaduct have been available to drivers since December last year.
TEC Infrastructure is part of the TEC Group, which also includes TEC Industry and TEC Consulting. The group provides design, consulting, maintenance, project and construction management and other engineering services for transport infrastructure, industrial and energy facilities.
