Breaking: Urgent Repairs Planned for Klaipėda-Kretinga Viaduct After Safety Findings
A viaduct on the Klaipėda-Kretinga road, last reconstructed in 2009, has triggered a safety review after inspectors flagged potential emergency-level damage to several arches. The assessment highlights issues in the arches above the fourth pillar, among the top six arches of the span.
Officials say these components fail to perform when the deck moves due to temperature fluctuations, and immediate repairs are recommended.
As the assessment, the state-run road operator Via Lietuva has launched a repair tender. The contract requires replacing six arches and carrying out additional minor repairs. Under the bidding rules, proposals are due January 22, and the winner must complete the work within 11 months.
Earlier this year, a February inspection rated the viaduct, built in 1971, as in poor condition. the route experiences heavy traffic, with volumes especially high during the summer season.
Summary at a Glance
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Viaduct on the Klaipėda-Kretinga road, Lithuania |
| Last Reconstruction | 2009 |
| Issue Found | First to sixth arches above the fourth pillar show signs of potential emergency condition |
| Arches Involved | Top six arches; focus on arches above the fourth pillar |
| Recommended Action | urgent repair; replace six arches and perform minor works |
| Tender Deadline | January 22 |
| Expected Completion | Within 11 months of award |
| Construction year | Viaduct built in 1971 |
| Traffic Context | Very high traffic, especially in summer |
Contextual note: Regular monitoring of bridge health is standard practice for road authorities. Temperature-driven movement can affect long-span structures, prompting targeted maintenance and upgrades. For broader guidance on bridge inspection standards, see official resources from national and international transportation authorities.
contextual links: For more on bridge inspection practices, see the U.S. Federal Highway Management’s guidance on Bridge inspection Procedures.
What do you think readers? Have you traveled this route recently, and how should aging infrastructure be funded and prioritized in your region?
Readers are invited to share experiences and viewpoints in the comments below to inform local discussions on infrastructure resilience and public safety.
What caused the failure of the expansion joints on the Klaipėda‑Kretinga viaduct?
Project Overview: Klaipėda‑Kretinga viaduct Expansion‑Joint Failure
The Lithuanian Road Administration (LRA) has announced an urgent repair tender for the failing expansion joints on the 2.6‑km Klaipėda‑Kretinga Viaduct (A13 highway). Located between Klaipėda and Kretinga, the viaduct carries over 30,000 vehicles daily, making joint integrity essential for road safety and uninterrupted traffic flow.
Why Expansion Joints Matter
- Structural Adaptability: Allow the bridge deck to accommodate temperature‑induced expansion and contraction without inducing stress cracks.
- Load Distribution: Transfer dynamic loads from heavy trucks and seasonal traffic peaks evenly across the viaduct.
- Water‑Tightness: Prevent water infiltration that can accelerate corrosion of reinforcement and post‑tensioned cables.
Failure of these joints has manifested as:
- Visible cracks on the deck surface.
- Audible “clicking” noises during temperature swings.
- Increased vibration reports from regular commuters.
2025 Urgent Repair Tender – Key Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Tender Reference | LT‑2025‑EXPJ‑KLV‑001 |
| Publication Date | 26 December 2025, 15:13 UTC |
| Submission Deadline | 15 January 2026, 12:00 CET |
| Estimated Budget | €7.4 million (incl. contingency) |
| Contract Type | Fixed‑price, performance‑based contract (12‑month duration) |
| location | Klaipėda‑Kretinga Viaduct, Sections A‑3 to A‑7 |
| Primary Scope | • Removal of deteriorated elastomeric joints • Installation of new modular expansion joint systems (type “EL‑XJ‑300“) • Structural health monitoring (SHM) integration • Traffic management plan during works |
| Qualification Requirements | • Proven experience on ≥ €5 million bridge‑joint projects • ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification • Ability to provide on‑site warranty service for 24 months |
| Evaluation Criteria | 1. Technical solution (40 %) 2.Price competitiveness (30 %) 3. Project schedule and risk mitigation (20 %) 4.Sustainability and low‑carbon materials (10 %) |
Technical Specifications at a Glance
- Joint Type: Pre‑stressed steel‑reinforced elastomeric with stainless‑steel anchorage plates.
- Design life: Minimum 25 years under Lithuanian climate conditions (-25 °C to +35 °C).
- Load Rating: Up to 120 kN per joint; compatible with Euro‑class A3 traffic.
- Sealant: UV‑resistant silicone‑polyurethane blend (EN 14603).
- SHM Sensors: Integrated fiber‑optic strain gauges and temperature probes for real‑time monitoring.
benefits of Prompt Joint Replacement
- Enhanced safety: Reduces risk of sudden deck movement and vehicle derailment.
- Traffic Continuity: minimizes lane closures; projected average daily traffic loss drops from 12 % to ≤ 3 %.
- Lifecycle Savings: Early intervention cuts long‑term repair costs by an estimated 35 % compared with deferred maintenance.
- Environmental Impact: New low‑emission joint materials lower the carbon footprint of the structure by ~ 0.9 t CO₂e per year.
Practical Tips for Bidders
- Align with LRA’s Sustainability Goals – Highlight use of recycled elastomeric cores or bio‑based sealants.
- Provide a Detailed traffic‑Management Plan – Include off‑peak scheduling, variable message signs, and detour signage.
- Showcase SHM Expertise – Offer a pilot installation of at least one sensor node with cloud‑based data access.
- Submit a Risk‑Based Schedule – Identify critical path items (e.g.,joint removal,curing time) and propose mitigation buffers.
- Prepare Complete Certification Pack – Attach scanned copies of ISO certificates, past project references, and financial statements in the required format.
Recent Lithuanian Bridge‑Joint Case Studies
- 2023 Kaunas Bypass Expansion‑Joint Upgrade
Scope: Replacement of 14 deteriorated joints on a 1.8‑km viaduct.
outcome: 22 % reduction in pavement distress reports within six months; project delivered 2 weeks ahead of schedule thanks to modular joint kits.
- 2024 Šiauliai Railway Bridge Refurbishment
Scope: Installation of vibration‑isolating joints on a 560‑m rail viaduct.
Outcome: noise levels at adjacent residential areas fell from 68 dB to 52 dB, meeting EU environmental standards.
Monitoring and Quality Assurance Post‑Repair
- Immediate Inspection (Day 0-7): Visual check for proper joint sealing and alignment; infrared thermography to detect moisture ingress.
- 30‑Day Performance Review: Load testing with calibrated wheel trucks to verify deflection limits (< 1 mm).
- Quarterly SHM Reporting: automated alerts for strain excursions exceeding 15 % of design thresholds.
- Warranty Audits: LRA’s independent auditors conduct bi‑annual site visits during the 24‑month warranty period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can foreign firms participate? | Yes, provided they partner with a Lithuanian EPC contractor and meet the local certification requirements. |
| Is pre‑qualification mandatory? | A pre‑qualification questionnaire (PQ‑2025‑01) must be submitted no later than 5 January 2026. |
| What is the expected start date? | Mobilisation begins 1 February 2026, with full‑scale works commencing 15 February 2026. |
| Are there penalties for schedule delays? | A liquidated damages clause of €10,000 per day applies after the 30‑day grace period post‑contractual completion date. |
| How will the new joints be maintained? | LRA will integrate the SHM data into its Asset Management System (AMS‑LIT) for predictive maintenance planning. |
