New segment of Prague ring road to begin construction this year, confirms Transport Minister

The construction of a new segment of the Prague ring road, extending from the D1 motorway to Běchovice, is set to begin this year, according to Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS). The Road and Motorway Directorate recently secured a building permit for the nearly 13-kilometer stretch and is currently seeking a contractor. Kupka shared this update with President Petr Pavel during a meeting at Prague Castle, where they also discussed topics including the Czech space mission and preparations for next year’s budget.

During the meeting, Kupka outlined future plans for financing the development of transport infrastructure, with a particular focus on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. These projects, which involve collaboration between the public and private sectors, are intended to support both road and rail construction. Kupka highlighted the D35 motorway between Pardubice and Olomouc as a key project that will serve as an alternative to the D1 motorway.

“The president understands the importance of investing in transport infrastructure for the Czech Republic,” Kupka said, emphasizing the need to balance the pace of fiscal consolidation with continued investment in infrastructure. He noted that while faster fiscal consolidation could reduce investment, the government is committed to maintaining a steady pace of infrastructure development.

Kupka also mentioned the need for the Czech Republic to complete its motorway network and begin constructing high-speed rail lines, indicating that PPP financing and loans from institutions like the European Investment Bank will play a larger role in future projects.

Following his meeting with the president, Kupka traveled to the D6 motorway between Prague and Karlovy Vary to participate in the opening of a new 6.5-kilometer section near Krupé. Additional construction is ongoing on three other sections of the D6, near Hořovičky, Hořesedly, and between St. Petersburg and Lubenec.

Source: CTK
Photo: ODS