(www.mdcr.cz) The Options and Opportunities Study outlines over 630 miles of major and minor corridors of contemplated highway and roadway connections to county cities after the completion of the primary highway network. Along with this, construction will begin on the first of more than 760 kilometres of planned high-speed lines. The railway junctions in Prague and Brno will also change. Water transport will also get a chance.
The Ministry of Transport has presented its vision for the development of transport infrastructure around 2050. This plan includes large-scale projects to modernise and expand the motorway and road network, build high-speed railways and use waterways for freight and recreational purposes.
Development of the motorway and road network after 2050
The study proposes the extension of the motorway and road network, which should significantly improve the interconnection of regional cities and reduce the traffic load on large agglomerations such as Prague and Brno. The key projects under consideration include the Ring Road around Prague in a closer and more distant location, the Plzeň - Písek - Jihlava interconnection, or the South Moravian Corridor, for example.
"The total length of the main corridors to be monitored is approximately 540 km, at an estimated cost of CZK 320 billion. These projects are designed not only to improve transport accessibility but also to contribute to the economic development of the regions. Within these corridors, the supply of alternative routes is expected to increase, allowing for a better distribution of traffic congestion and reducing the risk of traffic congestion," says the Transport Minister Martin Kupka.
Railways will speed up, transport hubs in Prague and Brno will be transformed
The Ministry of Transport is planning to start the construction of high-speed lines that will connect major cities and regions with the European transport network. Key projects include the lines Prague - Brno - Ostrava - Katowice, Brno - Breclav - Vienna/Bratislava or the line Prague - Ústí nad Labem - Dresden,
"The total length of the planned lines is 767 km, of which 484 km are already in the project phase. The construction of the first part of the line from Brno to Přerov will start this year. These high-speed lines will be key to ensuring fast and efficient transport between cities and neighbouring countries, which will contribute to economic growth and increase the competitiveness of the Czech Republic on the European market," adds the Minister Martin Kupka.
Metropolitan Express BELOW
In January, the Central Commission of the Ministry of Transport selected the final version of the Metropolitan Express SPODEM project, which includes two separate tunnels under the centre of Prague, over 10 km long.2 These tunnels will serve primarily for urban and suburban trains, while long-distance connections will run primarily on the surface. A central station will be built under the main railway station, where two underground platforms will be located for each of the routes.
"The project also includes the construction of four more stations in the centre of Prague, namely in Karlín, Florence, Václavské náměstí and Karlova náměstí. The tunnels will be able to accommodate up to sixteen connections per hour in each direction, which will significantly increase the capacity and efficiency of urban transport. The total cost of this project is currently estimated at CZK 185 billion," says the Minister Martin Kupka.
Brno railway junction As part of the reconstruction of the entire Brno railway junction, a new main station will be built, a new Černovice transfer terminal will be built and the Brno-Zidenice station will be brought closer to the tram stops. The project was approved by the Central Commission of the Ministry of Transport in April 2024.
"The project addresses the new concept of the entire metropolitan junction to ensure sufficient capacity and reliability for passenger and freight trains, including requirements for the connection of high-speed lines (VRT). The total cost of this project is currently estimated at CZK 73 billion. Construction could start in 2028, which will bring significant improvements for the residents of Brno and suburban areas," adds Kupka.
Water transport will be helped by better navigation conditions on the Elbe
The plan also includes improving navigation conditions on the Elbe and the navigation to Pardubice. Key projects include the Děčín navigation stage, the navigation to Pardubice and the stabilisation of the fairway in the port of Chvaletice. The total cost of these projects is estimated at tens of billions of CZK.
"Improving navigation conditions on the Elbe is key to ensuring reliable navigation throughout the year and increasing the guaranteed draft parameters. These projects are designed to improve water transport and contribute to the economic development of the region," adds the Transport Minister Martin Kupka.
The navigation to Pardubice includes stabilisation of the fairway in the port of Chvaletice and an increase in draught in the section Přelouč - Pardubice. The Děčín navigation stage will increase the parameters of the guaranteed draught from the state border to Boletice near Děčín to 140 cm or more for 345 days in an average year and 220 cm for 180 days in an average year. The implementation of all transport infrastructure projects will require not only financial investment but also the efforts and cooperation of all stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport will continue to engage in dialogue with the public and experts to ensure the progressive implementation of all projects under Transport Vision 2050.
Minister for Transport
Vice-Chairman of the ODS party
Member of the Czech Republic
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