Drivers passing over the bridge being reconstructed across the Krunė River near Kaunas in recent weeks could observe a striking sight -the demolition of the second and final section of the old bridge over the Krunė River. The dismantling works of the old bridge can also be seen in video footage.

Another important stage in the reconstruction of the bridge over the Krunė River is nearing completion: the final dismantling works of the old bridge section are currently being completed. This means that the reconstruction of the bridge on the A1 motorway — one of the busiest highways in the country – has reached its halfway point.

According to Eduardas Grinaveckas, head of the company Tilsta, which is reconstructing the bridge over the Krunė near Kaunas, demolition of the old bridge deck began back in February, adapting to the conditions of a record-breaking winter, while the works were carried out at their highest intensity in March. Full completion of the demolition of the old bridge deck is planned for April.

“We are carrying out the works consistently, in stages. During the first stage, the bridge railings, barriers and asphalt surface were removed. Later, the sidewalk slabs were dismantled, and the pavement layers were removed from the deck using a lightweight remotely controlled excavator. Then the deck slab above the arch — which had only been visible from below, from the river — was dismantled, and demolition of the arch structures themselves began. For these works we used a larger excavator equipped with hydraulic shears,” Grinaveckas explains, outlining the stages of the demolition process.

According to the head of Tilsta, the dismantled bridge structures were broken down into sections and safely lowered to the ground.

“The old bridge structures are processed in stages: first they are divided and lowered, then further crushed and, in order to protect the environment, sorted — concrete is separated from metal. Finally, the materials are crushed once again, loaded into dump trucks and transported to specialized sites. So although the old bridge deck has already been demolished and is no longer visible, the demolition works will be fully completed only when all dismantled structural parts — such as the remaining reinforced concrete from columns, arches, beams and others — are crushed and removed, and the foundations are dismantled as well,” he says.

After the old bridge deck was removed, platforms for drilling equipment were installed and work began on bored piles for the new bridge. This means that while the old bridge was being demolished, preparatory works for the construction of the new permanent bridge were also taking place simultaneously.

“Drivers traveling toward Kaunas on the temporary bridge could see part of the demolition works of the old bridge. However, as far as possible, we try to shield the ongoing works. We do this for the safety of drivers, so that the construction activity does not distract their attention,” says the head of Tilsta.

Construction of the second part of the new permanent bridge will begin very soon. The steel structure for the new bridge was manufactured at its own factory by Tilsta itself.

The reconstruction of the bridge over the Krunė River is being carried out by order of Via Lietuva.