The Condition of the Road Infrastructure in the Trakai District in the Second Half of the 18th Century: A Case Study

Abstract

The article discusses the state of road infrastructure in the Trakai district in the second half of the 18th century. Roads and related elements such as bridges, dykes, and inns were crucial for communication, trade, and transport, and their quality impacted the daily lives of residents and travellers. The Trakai district, due to its central location, could enjoy better road
conditions compared to other areas of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Nevertheless, the road infrastructure in the region still faced many issues, such as a lack of adequate maintenance and modernisation. The article emphasises that roads were often in poor condition, which limited their functionality. There are also references to local initiatives aimed at improving the infrastructure.
The analysis of the state of roads in the Trakai district can be viewed as a lens through which
broader infrastructure problems throughout the Grand Duchy of Lithuania can be observed.