Discover the Exciting New 22 km Walking and Cycling Trail on the Curonian Spit

The Ministry announces the completion of the reconstruction of the Smiltynė–Nida bicycle path. However, it should be borne in mind that this stretch is not continuous. Part of the bicycle path is managed by the Ministry of Transport and Via Lietuva, and part by the municipality of Neringa. Therefore, there are misunderstandings, for example, at Pervalka, when cyclists ride on the footpath. He already wrote about it here 15 minutes ago.

According to the mayor of Neringa, Darius Jasaitis, the renewed bicycle path is important not only for Neringa, but also for the international cycling community, as it belongs to the European bicycle path network.

According to Minister M. Skuodis, almost 36 kilometers of new bicycle track was built during the reconstruction of the path. It was renovated in two phases with a total cost of 15.1 million. EUR (including VAT), and the works were carried out by the company “YIT Lietuva”.

Via Lietuva illustr./Forking at Pervalka: a branch belonging to Neringa municipality goes through the forest to the right

The reconstruction of the historical Curonian Spit pedestrian and bicycle path took place in stages: last year, the 13.5 km part of the path from the second beach of Smiltynė to Juodkrantė was renovated, this year the remaining part of the path, 22 km long, from Juodkrantė to Pervalka, Preila and towards the sea was reconstructed.

Until last year, 1978 the path, which is being installed in parts and winds its way across the entire peninsula, has not received any repairs.

Two bike path owners

The length of the pedestrian and bicycle path in the Curonian Spit National Park is about 50 km. Its major part, i.e. the 35 km section from Smiltynė to Juodkrantė and from Juodkrantė to Pervalka, belongs to the joint-stock company “Via Lietuva”, which signed the contract for the contract works at the beginning of this year with the company “YIT Lietuva”, which won the tender. The final stretch of the trail from Preila to Nida belongs to Neringa municipality.

The reconstructed bicycle path from Smiltynė to Nida is 2.5-3.5 meters wide, with an asphalt surface, which is framed by curbs. This makes it possible to ensure that, in case of need, special transport can properly use the communication infrastructure and does not damage the structure of the reconstructed path.

A 5.5-meter-wide bicycle street with a 2-meter-wide section for pedestrians has been installed in a 2.7-kilometer-long stretch at Juodkrante. There is also a 37-space parking lot, rest areas with benches and bike racks.

The almost 22 km long section of the bicycle path past Juodkrantė towards Pervalka, Preila and the Baltic Sea is being reconstructed in compliance with strict environmental requirements.

The nature of the Curonian Spit is unique, so exceptional solutions were used during the project, for example, in the territory of the Nagliu Nature Reserve, a unique gray sand-colored asphalt coating was used for the bicycle path, which is the most compatible with the natural environment. The covering of the recreation areas is also special – it is prepared from an organic binder made from a mixture of plantain seed husks and granite rubble. In order to protect nature and animal habitats, a wooden fence has been installed near the bicycle path.

The reconstruction of the Neringa bicycle path was carried out by the company “YIT Lietuva”, which won the public tender announced by “Via Lietuva”. The cost of the reconstruction works is 15.1 million. EUR with VAT.

“Via Lietuva” has also initiated this year the reconstruction works of the 10 km road in Curonian Spit from Alksnynė to Juodkrantė, which is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Will there be another cycle path – in Pamary?

After the reconstruction of the bicycle path from Smiltynė to Nida in the Curonian Spit is completed, another such path is planned to be built on the other side of the Curonian Lagoon, says the Minister of Communications.

“Today is the day when everything is done, even ahead of schedule (…). When another four years have passed (…), we need to make another similar trail, only on the other side of the Curonian Lagoon – from Klaipėda to Cape Ventė,” Minister Marius Skuodis said at the opening event of the trail section in the Curonian Spit on Thursday.

At the end of 2023, the Šilutė district authorities were already considering the possibility of building a bicycle path to Ventės raga – to connect it with Kintai and Svencele. Representatives of the municipality told BNS at the time that the bicycle path was also needed due to complaints from residents and tourists.

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– What are the key features of the reconstructed Smiltynė–Nida bicycle path?

⁢ Here‍ is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic of the reconstruction of the Smiltynė–Nida bicycle path:

Reconstruction of Smiltynė–Nida Bicycle Path Completed: A Breakthrough for ‌Cyclists

The Ministry of Transport has announced the completion of the reconstruction of the Smiltynė–Nida ‌bicycle path, a 36-kilometer stretch that is part of the‌ European bicycle path network.‌ The project, which cost 15.1 million Euros, was carried out⁣ in two phases and was completed ahead of schedule.

The ‌reconstructed bicycle path is 2.5-3.5 meters wide, with ⁤an ‍asphalt surface ⁢and⁣ curbs, making it ⁤suitable for special transport vehicles in⁣ case ⁣of need. The‍ path also features a 5.5-meter-wide ⁢bicycle street with a 2-meter-wide section for pedestrians, as well as rest areas with benches and bike racks.

A Unique Environment Requires Special Solutions

The Curonian Spit, where the ​bicycle path is located, is a unique and⁣ fragile‌ environment. To minimize the impact​ on nature, exceptional solutions were used during the‍ project. For example,‍ a gray sand-colored asphalt coating ‍was used in the Nagliu Nature ⁣Reserve, which is the⁣ most⁤ compatible with the natural environment. ​Additionally,‍ a special covering was used for the recreation areas, made from an ⁤organic binder made from a mixture of‌ plantain seed husks and granite rubble. A wooden fence was also installed near the⁤ bicycle path to protect nature and animal

What are the key features and improvements made in the reconstructed Smiltynė-Nida bicycle path?

Comprehensive Reconstruction of Smiltynė-Nida Bicycle Path in Curonian Spit National Park

The Ministry has announced the completion of the reconstruction of the Smiltynė-Nida bicycle path, a significant achievement for cyclists and nature enthusiasts alike. This 36-kilometer long path is an integral part of the European bicycle path network and is expected to attract international cyclists to the Curonian Spit National Park.

Reconstruction in Phases

The reconstruction of the historic Curonian Spit pedestrian and bicycle path was carried out in stages. Last year, the 13.5 km part of the path from the second beach of Smiltynė to Juodkrantė was renovated, and this year the remaining part of the path, 22 km long, from Juodkrantė to Pervalka, Preila, and towards the sea was reconstructed. The path, which winds its way across the entire peninsula, had not received any repairs since 1978.

Two Bike Path Owners

One of the unique aspects of this bicycle path is that it has two owners. The major part of the path, approximately 35 km, belongs to the joint-stock company “Via Lietuva”, while the final stretch of the trail from Preila to Nida belongs to Neringa municipality. This dual ownership has led to some misunderstandings, such as cyclists riding on the footpath at Pervalka.

Key Features of the Reconstructed Bicycle Path

The reconstructed Smiltynė-Nida bicycle path is 2.5-3.5 meters wide, with an asphalt surface, framed by curbs. This design ensures that special transport can properly access the path when needed. The path is also equipped with modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for cyclists.

International Significance

According to the mayor of Neringa, Darius Jasaitis, the renewed bicycle path is important not only for Neringa but also for the international cycling community, as it belongs to the European bicycle path network.

Future Development

The question remains whether another cycle path will be built in Pamary, which would further enhance the cycling infrastructure in the region. While there are no immediate plans for this, the successful reconstruction of the Smiltynė-Nida bicycle path sets a precedent for future development.

Conclusion

The completion of the Smiltynė-Nida bicycle path reconstruction marks a significant milestone in the development of the Curonian Spit National Park’s cycling infrastructure. With its international significance and modern amenities, this path is sure to attract cyclists from around the world