LTG Infra ends Neris bridge construction agreement as Rail Baltica project delivery remains on schedule

LTG Infra has terminated its construction contract with Italian contractor Rizzani de Eccher for the Rail Baltica bridge over the River Neris following concerns over project delivery and contractual compliance.

The decision was taken after LTG Infra conducted a comprehensive assessment of construction progress, the contractor’s financial position and the fulfilment of contractual obligations. According to the infrastructure manager, significant breaches were identified, including delays in delivering works according to schedule and failures to settle payments owed to subcontractors.

The Neris bridge is a key element of the wider Rail Baltica programme, which will connect the Baltic states to the European standard-gauge railway network and strengthen regional connectivity, economic development and security.

LTG Infra acts to protect Rail Baltica delivery

Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas said: “Resuming construction of the Neris bridge is now a top priority. Rail Baltica is strategically important for our connectivity and regional security. We must ensure the European-gauge railway project proceeds without delay and that the mainline is completed by the end of 2030. Prompt and decisive action is essential.”

Taminskas stressed that the bridge represents only one part of the wider Rail Baltica programme and confirmed that construction activity continues elsewhere across Lithuania.

Construction contracts are already in place for a 114km section between Kaunas and Panevėžys, where the first sections of European-gauge track have already been laid.

LTG Infra said it had closely monitored Rizzani de Eccher’s financial position since 2023 and had provided opportunities for corrective action. However, after reviewing the contractor’s recovery proposals, the company concluded that there was no realistic basis for continuing cooperation.

Acting LTG Group CEO Arūnas Rumskas said: “There is a real risk that, with this contractor, the bridge would not be completed on time. We cannot tolerate serious contractual breaches, failure to perform works, or non-compliance with financial obligations. We must take decisive action and cannot remain a passive observer when the delivery of a strategic project is under threat.”

Rail Baltica construction continues across Lithuania

LTG Infra believes appointing a new contractor will provide a more reliable route to completion. Following a new procurement process, the remaining bridge works, including pier and bridge deck construction, are expected to be completed in just over a year.

LTG Infra CEO Vytis Žalimas said: “It is important to underline that the bridge over the River Neris will be built, and this decision is necessary to ensure that outcome. The termination of a single contract does not halt the Rail Baltica project in Lithuania and does not alter LTG Infra’s commitment to deliver it.”

The organisation has also announced additional measures to strengthen project oversight, including enhanced financial monitoring of contractors, increased risk management procedures and more frequent progress reviews.

Design work is continuing on the section between the Lithuanian-Polish border and Kaunas, while procurement has also begun for design services covering the 54km route between Panevėžys and the Latvian border.

Rail Baltica remains the largest railway infrastructure project in the history of the Baltic states and is expected to play a key role in improving passenger transport, freight movements, military mobility and economic integration across the region.