Flooded Construction Equipment Raises Concerns During Lithuanian Bridge Reconstruction

Residents of Kėdainiai district were stunned to discover heavy construction equipment partially submerged in the Šušvė River following recent spring flooding. A piling rig, used in the ongoing reconstruction of the Barkūniškis bridge leading to Ažytėnai, was left stranded as floodwaters rose, becoming partially inundated.

Locals expressed dismay at the situation, noting that warnings about rising water levels and potential flooding had been issued in advance. Many questioned the decision to depart the machinery in a low-lying area vulnerable to the Šušvė’s surge. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of fuel, lubricants, or other hazardous materials leaking from the submerged equipment into the river.

The Environmental Protection Department (AAD) investigated the incident on March 16th and determined that no pollution had occurred. According to the AAD, the equipment was being used for piling work as part of the reconstruction of regional road No. 2016 Mantviliškis–Ažytėnai–Vosyliškis bridge over the Šušvė River. The AAD stated that piling operations concluded on March 13th, but the machinery was unable to ascend the steep embankment.

“Employees decided to leave the equipment on the riverbed on a stable base – road slabs. On March 15th, when the Šušvė River flooded, the movement mechanism of the equipment (tracks) was submerged in floodwater,” an AAD spokesperson explained. The department confirmed that metal plates were laid to allow the equipment to be driven onto the embankment on March 16th, and that no technical fluids had leaked into the environment.

UAB “Tilsta,” the contractor for the bridge reconstruction, defended the decision to leave the piling rig in place. General Director Eduardas Grinaveckas emphasized that the equipment is designed to operate in challenging conditions, including muddy and submerged environments. “Our equipment was successfully pulled from the flooded areas near the Šušvė River on Monday, with only the chassis, i.e., the tracks, submerged. This type of construction machinery is designed to operate in extremely difficult conditions, including mud and water,” Grinaveckas stated.

Grinaveckas added that his company contacted the operators of the Vaitiekūnai hydroelectric power plant, which regulates the Šušvė’s water level, before leaving the equipment. “Before leaving the equipment in place, we contacted the hydroelectric plant manager to inform us of any plans to change the river’s water level. As the spring floodwater began to rise rapidly over the weekend, everything happened particularly quickly, so the hydroelectric plant manager may not have had time to inform us. The rising water level did not submerge the engine compartment, electronics, or fuel and oil tanks, so no damage was done to either the environment or the equipment – the equipment was removed in time and without damage,” he said.

The Barkūniškis bridge reconstruction project in the Krakių eldership is being carried out by UAB “Tilsta,” with a primary contract held by UAB “Kauno keliai.” The project’s client is AB “Via Lietuva.” While demolition of the old bridge began in December of last year, official reconstruction work commenced coinciding with the peak of the flooding on March 15th. The project, valued at over 1.6 million Euros (excluding VAT), is scheduled for completion by the autumn of 2026.