Transfer of Regional Roads to Municipalities
On Tuesday, Minister of Transport Eugenijus Sabutis and his team met with the President of the Association of Lithuanian Municipalities (LSA), Audrius Klišonis, along with other city leaders, to discuss key road infrastructure issues relevant to municipalities.
The main focus of the meeting was the transfer of regional roads located in urban and town areas to municipal administrations starting next year. This decision will allow municipalities to independently plan road maintenance projects and invest more efficiently in infrastructure. Over the next two years, the share of Road Maintenance and Development Program (KPPP) funds allocated to local roads will increase by 10%, rising from 33% to 43%.
Record Funding for Local Roads
Minister Sabutis assured LSA representatives that this year municipalities will receive a record level of funding for local road networks—more than €206.5 million.
“The record-breaking funding will allow municipalities to begin long-delayed projects. Communities will benefit not only from road repairs in cities and towns but also from the construction of bus stops and pedestrian crossings. With municipalities taking over state-managed infrastructure, residents will no longer have to wait years for essential improvements,” said Minister Sabutis.
Compared to 2024, funding for the local road network will increase by more than €27 million.
Municipalities Welcome Increased KPPP Funding
“We are pleased with this historic decision to allocate a record share of KPPP funds to municipalities. These resources will enable us to carry out both routine maintenance and crucial transport infrastructure projects in the regions. I have no doubt that we will be able to meet more of our residents’ expectations,” said LSA President Klišonis.
Accelerated Gravel Road Paving
This year, gravel road paving will also accelerate, with €20 million allocated to the effort—several times more than last year.
“Investments in gravel roads will revitalize regional areas. While we may not be able to pave dozens of kilometers in a single community, which many residents hope for, a few kilometers this year are better than waiting indefinitely for larger funds that may never materialize,” said Klišonis.
Additional Funding Sources and EU Investments
The meeting also addressed the establishment of a dedicated Road Fund and the potential use of European Union investments in municipal infrastructure.
In total, €804 million is allocated for Lithuania’s roads in the 2025 state budget. Of this, the Road Maintenance and Development Program accounts for €583.4 million, the Defense Fund provides €59.1 million for military mobility, and EU financial support—including the Connecting Europe Facility and 2021–2027 EU structural funds—adds another €161.2 million.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Lithuania
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