Klaipėda transport officials explain mysterious bridge watcher

During summer mornings, residents of Klaipėda have repeatedly spotted a young man standing on Biržos Bridge around 8‑9 a.m. He sometimes wears a bright safety vest, other times ordinary clothes, prompting speculation that he might be a traffic monitor.

Transport Department adviser Gediminas Kalasūnas clarified that the bridge is indeed overseen by Klaipėda Passenger Transport (KKT) controllers. Their task is to watch city bus traffic on the bridge and ensure that no more than one bus crosses at a time, reducing structural load. Violations are reported to bus operators, and drivers must wait for a bus to clear before proceeding. In recent years, several bus drivers have been fined €50 for improper bridge crossing.

The bridge underwent emergency repairs in June 2025, carried out by UAB Viadukas at a cost of about €60 000. Although the work reduced noise, the lifting mechanism still malfunctions, and the municipality acknowledges the need for a major capital renovation, with no timetable yet set.