Šarūnas Frolenko, head of the Association of Lithuanian Roads, stated that toll revenue collected from road users should ideally translate into increased investments within the road network. However, he noted a significant concern regarding the 2026 budget, where the reduction of CBRP funding, coupled with the introduction of new financing instruments, appears to replace previous funding rather than supplement it. Consequently, the overall level of investments in roads is not increasing, leading to diminished confidence in the state’s policy and generating questions about the purpose of these new financial mechanisms.
The Association’s assessment indicates that prolonged underfunding has resulted in the rapid deterioration of the national road infrastructure. Representatives within the road sector highlighted a substantial gap between necessary maintenance and actual funding. To achieve necessary stabilization, an annual renewal rate covering approximately 7% of the entire road network is required.
In contrast, data shows that only about 1.5% to 2% of the road network has been renewed in recent years. This disparity suggests that current financial arrangements are insufficient to maintain the existing infrastructure. The reliance on new funding structures without a corresponding boost in capital expenditure raises questions about the sustainability of road maintenance.
Addressing the structural deficit requires substantial and reliable investments to prevent further degradation of the country’s vital road assets.
Topics: #new #road #investments
