In some infrastructure projects, outdoor work has not stopped even during this record-breaking winter—construction activities that can be carried out in sub-zero temperatures have continued. Despite snow and frost, reconstruction of the bridge over the Krunė near Kaunas is ongoing, and port deepening and quay reconstruction works are continuing in Klaipėda Port.

When temperatures drop below zero, most infrastructure construction works are suspended because quality requirements cannot be met. Therefore, in winter only certain types of work that are less sensitive to low temperatures can proceed. For this reason, many construction contracts include a technological winter break, usually lasting three months—from December to mid-March.

Winter Challenges in the Port: Preparing for Ice Drift

According to Žilvinas Babarskis, Project Manager at Tilsta, part of Fegda grupė, works that can continue in winter—provided the necessary conditions and additional measures are ensured—include concreting of bridges, viaducts and other structures, reinforcement works, and installation or dismantling of structures. If wave conditions are not excessive and safety requirements are met, port deepening works may also continue.

Although winters like this one have not occurred in nearly fourteen years, Babarskis says that due to technological specifics, certain works in Klaipėda Port have continued with minimal interruption.

“Deepening works are currently ongoing. It is a fairly mechanized process, so low temperatures do not hinder it. We are also installing a façade wall, although its installation was briefly suspended when temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius for several days. At one quay we cannot yet complete pavement works, at another we cannot deliver sand, and at a third we cannot mix self-compacting soil. But these are temporary disruptions, and once temperatures rise, the situation will change immediately,” Babarskis explains.

According to him, winter work always brings challenges—such as preparing for ice drift in the port.

“At one of the reconstructed quays, we are about to install structures close to the water. There can always be unforeseen situations, but with experience you identify potential risks, analyze them, assess them, and then solutions emerge. This time, we decided to shield the area with a barge or another floating structure to protect the quay constructions during ice drift,” he says.

Having lived in Klaipėda for 15 years, Babarskis says he does not remember such a harsh winter or such prolonged frost in the port city.

“Nevertheless, we are doing everything we can. We are well prepared: all employees are equipped with winter clothing, we take more frequent breaks and warm up with tea. There is no bad weather—only unsuitable clothing. You just have to adapt,” he adds.

Reconstruction of the Bridge over the Krunė Continues Despite Record Frost

Record-low temperatures only briefly slowed down reconstruction works on the bridge over the Krunė on the A1 motorway near Kaunas—work has continued throughout most of the winter without major interruptions.

“The bridge under reconstruction is located on one of the busiest motorways, and the contract with the client does not provide for a technological break. We cannot wait until spring, so whenever weather conditions allow, we work—even if the frost is biting,” says Darius Valaitis, Project Manager at Tilsta.

He explains that one of the temporary bridge decks has recently been dismantled, and demolition of the remaining old section of the bridge over the Krunė has begun. Complete demolition of the remaining old structure is planned for April. Once the second part of the existing bridge is removed, installation of bored piles for the new bridge will begin. Preparatory works for the permanent bridge construction are already underway.

“In severe frost, everything becomes more complicated. When temperatures dropped significantly, machinery and equipment started breaking down; fuel and hydraulic hoses cracked; engines failed to start or stalled; hose holders and protective elements broke; batteries and accumulators froze and discharged. We had almost forgotten that such winters used to happen in Lithuania. Frost definitely slows down the work, so we must adapt and find solutions to ensure that works at strategic transport infrastructure sites continue,” Valaitis says.

Reconstruction of the bridge over the Krunė is scheduled to be completed in spring 2027.