Budimex Completes Leipzig Bypass on Warsaw–Sandomierz Route
On August 28, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Poland’s ongoing effort to modernize its national transport infrastructure. Transit traffic on National Road No. 79 officially began using the newly completed Leipzig bypass, a long-awaited project that promises to improve travel conditions for drivers while relieving congestion in the heart of the city. The investment, carried out by Budimex S.A. under the government’s 100 Bypasses Construction Programme, reflects the country’s growing focus on sustainable mobility, regional development, and road safety.
For years, residents of Leipzig (Lipsko in Polish) have lived with heavy volumes of transit traffic running directly through their city center. As a key link on the route between Warsaw and Sandomierz, National Road No. 79 has long been a vital corridor for both passenger and freight transport. Unfortunately, this also meant that local streets bore the burden of noise, emissions, and safety hazards. The commissioning of the bypass marks a turning point, shifting long-distance traffic away from the built-up areas and returning Leipzig’s central spaces to its residents.
Project Scope and Technical Details
The newly completed bypass stretches 6.375 kilometers and was designed in a north–south alignment running along the western side of Leipzig. Its strategic placement ensures that through-traffic, particularly trucks and long-distance travelers, can avoid the congested urban roads altogether.
- Starting Point: Approximately 350 meters north of the intersection with Provincial Road No. 754.
- End Point: Around 500 meters from the junction with the new route of Provincial Road No. 747.
The construction involved more than just a simple road diversion. Budimex’s scope of work included:
- Four modern roundabouts, ensuring smooth and safe traffic flow at key intersections.
- Expansion and reconstruction of transverse roads, which crossed or connected with National Road No. 79. This included adjustments to communal, district, and provincial roads.
- Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, reflecting the government’s push for multi-modal transport and safe accessibility for all road users.
- A major bridge along the line of National Road No. 79, which also integrates a wildlife crossing—highlighting the environmentally sensitive approach of the project.
- Two viaducts that maintain uninterrupted connectivity for local communities.
- A system of culverts and animal crossings, reducing the ecological impact and promoting biodiversity by allowing safe migration paths for wildlife.
This comprehensive approach ensures that the bypass is not only an engineering achievement but also an investment in safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.
Impact on Traffic and Local Communities
According to Paweł Ciepluch, Contract Director at Budimex S.A., the bypass will deliver tangible benefits for both motorists and Leipzig residents:
For drivers, the bypass means shorter travel times and safer conditions, free from the bottlenecks caused by city-center traffic. For Leipzig’s citizens, the benefits are equally significant:
- Reduced congestion in the urban core.
- Lower levels of noise pollution and exhaust emissions.
- Improved pedestrian safety as heavy trucks are redirected outside town.
- Enhanced quality of life, with cleaner, quieter, and safer streets.
- Boosted regional economy, as better infrastructure increases the area’s attractiveness for business and investment.
Financial and Administrative Framework
The Leipzig bypass represents a PLN 110 million investment, with the contract officially signed in December 2020. The project was executed under the “Design and Build” system, a model increasingly used in Poland’s infrastructure development. Under this system, Budimex bore responsibility not only for the physical construction but also for:
- Preparing full technical documentation.
- Securing all necessary permits and approvals.
- Coordinating with local and national authorities.
This integrated approach minimized bureaucratic delays, streamlined project execution, and ensured that the bypass was designed to meet both local needs and national infrastructure standards.
Part of the Government’s 100 Bypasses Programme
The Leipzig bypass is one of the key investments under Poland’s ambitious “Program for the Construction of 100 Bypasses.” This nationwide initiative was launched to improve road safety, reduce transit traffic in built-up areas, and stimulate regional economies. Each bypass project contributes not only to better transport efficiency but also to healthier living conditions for communities previously affected by through-traffic.
By 2030, the program envisions dozens of bypasses across Poland, forming a network that strengthens road connectivity, reduces travel times, and enhances Poland’s competitiveness as a logistics hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
Budimex’s Role in Poland’s Infrastructure
Budimex S.A., the company behind the Leipzig bypass, has cemented its reputation as Poland’s largest road contractor. On average, the company is responsible for every fourth kilometer of newly built expressways in the country, a staggering contribution to national development.
Key aspects of Budimex’s operations include:
- Expressway construction: Budimex is involved in the majority of Poland’s new high-speed road projects.
- National road modernization: As one of the main contractors under both the National Road Construction Programme and the 100 Bypasses Programme, Budimex plays a central role in shaping the future of mobility in Poland.
- Commitment to sustainability: The company integrates environmental solutions, such as wildlife crossings and ecological corridors, into major infrastructure projects.
- Economic impact: By delivering efficient transport routes, Budimex enhances connectivity, facilitates trade, and improves living standards.
Its scale of operations and ability to manage complex projects place Budimex among the most important construction companies in the country and a leading force in Poland’s modernization drive.
The opening of the Leipzig bypass is more than just a local improvement; it is part of a larger transformation of Poland’s road network. As the country continues to invest in strategic infrastructure, communities across the nation will benefit from cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport systems.
For Leipzig, the bypass represents the end of decades of heavy transit burden. Residents can now reclaim their city center, while drivers on the Warsaw–Sandomierz route enjoy faster, safer journeys. For Budimex and the Polish government, it is another step toward building a resilient, modern, and environmentally friendly transport network for future generations.
In the years ahead, as additional bypasses are completed under the 100 Bypasses Programme, Poland will continue to strengthen its position as a leader in infrastructure development in Europe. The Leipzig bypass stands as a model of how strategic planning, effective execution, and sustainable design can come together to deliver lasting benefits to both people and the environment.
