Vilnius unveils Šiaurinė gatvė infrastructure project

The Vilnius municipality has unveiled the concept for the Šiaurinė gatvė infrastructure project, a major 3 km road development intended to connect the Pašilaičiai, Justiniškės, Šeškinė, and Fabijoniškės districts with the Western Bypass.

Mayor Valdas Benkunskas stated the project aims to divert transit traffic away from residential neighborhoods and reduce congestion on surrounding streets. A key feature of the design is a dedicated public transport lane located in the center of the road, separated from general traffic. This layout is intended to provide flexibility for future transit technologies, such as a potential tram system, which the municipality is currently studying.

The planned infrastructure includes four traffic lanes, pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes, and the planting of approximately 700 trees. Public presentation of the project is expected in the second quarter of next year, with construction permits anticipated within a year. If the procurement process proceeds as planned, construction could begin in the latter half of 2028.