PORR to Construct New Prague Ring Road Section
The Prague Ring Road is set to play a crucial role in alleviating traffic congestion in the Czech capital by redirecting vehicles away from the city center. The Austrian construction company PORR, in a 50/50 consortium with two firms from the French VINCI Construction Group, has been awarded the contract to construct the Běchovice – D1 section. The project carries a contract value of approximately EUR 385 million.
A Major Infrastructure Milestone
PORR CEO Karl-Heinz Strauss highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “The new 12.6 km section of the Prague Ring Road is one of the largest road construction initiatives currently underway in the Czech Republic. The completion of the entire ring road is of immense importance for the region’s economy. We are proud to contribute our extensive experience in international motorway construction to this key infrastructure project.”
Once completed, the six-lane Prague Ring Road will vastly enhance the flow of traffic throughout the city. The entire 83-kilometer route is designed to interconnect nine motorways, linking Prague to surrounding regions and neighboring countries. Additionally, it will facilitate the efficient management of heavy transit and suburban traffic, significantly improving road safety and reducing congestion within the urban core.
Engineering Challenges: Bridges and Tunnels
The new road section between Běchovice and the D1 motorway will be constructed over a four-year period. It is expected to alleviate traffic bottlenecks, particularly in the eastern part of Prague. Current projections estimate that by 2030, between 70,000 and 80,000 vehicles will travel this route daily. Without this extension, these vehicles would continue to burden the city’s already congested road network.
To support the new roadway, the consortium will construct 19 bridges with a combined length of almost 2 kilometers. The project also includes two cut-and-cover tunnels. Given the urban environment, the project will require exceptional logistical coordination, with an estimated 4 million cubic meters of soil being excavated.
In response to concerns about the project’s impact on local communities, alternative routes have been planned for the transport of construction materials. These measures aim to minimize disturbances in residential areas. Furthermore, extensive noise protection initiatives have been integrated into the project design, including green belts, noise barriers stretching over 4 kilometers, and specially engineered embankments to shield residents from excessive noise pollution.
Sustainable and Smart Construction
The Prague Ring Road project will not only improve connectivity but also incorporate modern, sustainable construction practices. The consortium will employ state-of-the-art construction methodologies to minimize environmental impact and enhance the project’s long-term durability.
Energy-efficient construction machinery and recycled materials will be used where feasible, reducing the overall carbon footprint of the project. Additionally, the incorporation of intelligent traffic management systems will optimize vehicle flow and reduce fuel consumption once the road becomes operational. These features align with the Czech Republic’s broader efforts to enhance sustainability in infrastructure development.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond improving traffic conditions, the Prague Ring Road expansion will have substantial economic and social benefits. By facilitating smoother transportation routes, it is expected to bolster trade and business activities within Prague and the surrounding regions. The improved connectivity will also support the logistics sector, enabling more efficient movement of goods across the country and into international markets.
Local employment will also receive a boost, with the project generating numerous construction and engineering jobs. Additionally, PORR and its consortium partners are committed to engaging local subcontractors and suppliers, further stimulating the regional economy.
Communities situated along the new roadway will experience enhanced mobility, with improved access to key services such as healthcare, education, and employment hubs. The planned pedestrian and cyclist bridges will also enhance accessibility and promote alternative modes of transport, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
Key Project Details
- Project Type: Road construction
- Scope of Work:
- 12.6 km six-lane motorway
- 19 bridges
- 2 tunnels
- 4 level crossings
- 2 pedestrian and cyclist bridges
- 4 km of noise barriers
- Client: ŘSD – Czech Road and Motorway Administration
- Contractor: Consortium of EUROVIA CZ, Stavby mostů a.s., PORR a.s., and PORR Bau GmbH
- Project Duration: 48 months
- Contract Value: EUR 385 million (CZK 9.776 billion) – consortium
