- Place
- Jurbarkas and Šakiai District Municipalities
- Region
- Panemunė
- Type
- 494-metre state road bridge across the Nemunas
- Address
- Krašto kelio Nr. 137 Pilviškiai-Šakiai-Jurbarkas 56,78-57,28 km
- Coordinates
- 55.07080, 22.76803
- Visit duration
- 20-45 minutes from the bank; roughly 10-15 minutes to walk across one way
- Best time
- early morning or evening when the long deck and piers reflect clearly in the Nemunas
Centenary Bridge, Jurbarkas Bridge over the Nemunas
A 494-metre link between Jurbarkas and Kiduliai
The bridge begins at kilometre 56.78 and ends at kilometre 57.28 of state road 137 Pilviškiai-Šakiai-Jurbarkas. It is 494 metres long. Jurbarkas lies on the northern bank and Kiduliai on the southern, so the structure joins both banks and two district municipalities.
The Universal Lithuanian Encyclopedia identifies it as Lithuania's longest road bridge. The qualification matters: it is not claimed as the longest bridge of every type, but as the country's longest bridge carrying a road.
Construction in 1975-1978 and a century-long guarantee
Construction began in January 1975 and traffic opened on 3 November 1978. Via Lietuva records that the structure received a 100-year guarantee. That fact later formed a meaningful background to the Centenary name, although the name commemorates the state anniversary rather than the guarantee.
A long reinforced-concrete deck rests on a rhythm of massive V-shaped piers. The structure is easiest to understand from the riverbank, where several spans, repeating supports, and its scale across the broad Nemunas can be seen together.
Why it is called the Centenary Bridge
A Lithuanian Government resolution of 25 April 2018 gave the bridge its Centenary name to mark 100 years since the restoration of Lithuanian statehood. The road authority proposed the name and Jurbarkas District Municipality supported it.
The name was celebrated in Jurbarkas on 24 August 2018. Monuments were unveiled at both ends and a Lithuanian flag 300 metres long and 6 metres wide was spread along the railings. Those dimensions describe a one-day celebration, not permanent decoration.
Where to view the bridge
The full 494-metre line is best appreciated from either the Jurbarkas or Kiduliai riverbank. Angled views from the approaches show the deck and supports, while a low riverside angle conveys their height. Keep away from flooded banks and slippery stones.
This is an active regional road with regular traffic. Walk or cycle only on the designated side path, keep clear of the carriageway, and do not block a narrow section for photographs. The bank is more comfortable for a longer pause.
A gateway to the Panemunė route
On the northern bank, the bridge leads into Jurbarkas and its manor park, museum, churches, and Synagogue Square Memorial. To the south the road continues towards Kiduliai and Šakiai, practically joining two different halves of a day's route.
The bridge is working infrastructure rather than a gated attraction. There is no ticket or opening time, but signs can regulate access during maintenance. Check Via Lietuva notices before a long journey if road works are expected.
