PORR begins construction on new section of Prague’s ring road

Prague’s ring road, a major infrastructure project designed to ease traffic congestion and provide a motorway bypass for the Czech capital, is moving forward with the construction of a new section. PORR, in partnership with two companies from the French VINCI Construction Group, has begun work on the Běchovice–D1 segment under a 50/50 consortium agreement. The project carries a contract value of approximately EUR 385 million.

Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR, emphasized the project’s significance, calling it one of the largest road construction developments currently underway in the Czech Republic. He highlighted the economic and logistical importance of the Prague Ring Road, noting that PORR’s expertise in international motorway construction will play a crucial role in its successful completion.

Once fully completed, the 83-kilometre Prague Ring Road will function as a six-lane motorway, streamlining traffic flow throughout the city. It will connect nine major motorways leading from Prague to neighbouring regions and countries, helping to redistribute suburban and transit traffic more efficiently.

The Běchovice–D1 section, expected to be completed within four years, will be particularly crucial for relieving congestion in eastern Prague. Current projections indicate that by 2030, between 70,000 and 80,000 vehicles will use this route daily, significantly reducing pressure on Prague’s main traffic arteries.

The complex engineering scope of the project includes 19 bridges spanning nearly 2 kilometres and two cut-and-cover tunnels. Given its proximity to residential areas, the construction process requires meticulous planning. Excavation alone is expected to reach 4 million cubic meters of material, requiring alternative transport routes for material delivery and removal to minimize disruptions for local communities.

To address environmental concerns and reduce noise pollution, extensive protective measures are incorporated into the project. These include green belts, earth embankments, and 4 kilometres of noise barriers to ensure minimal impact on surrounding neighbourhoods.

As the largest infrastructure investment in Prague’s transport network, the ring road project is set to play a key role in modernizing the city’s transportation system, improving regional connectivity, and supporting economic growth in the Czech Republic.