Following the positive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the northern sections of the Prague Ring Road, construction of the much-needed transport infrastructure project is drawing closer. Transport Minister Martin Kupka convened a meeting with representatives of the affected municipalities and districts to discuss the next steps. According to Kupka, altering the route is no longer an option – the focus now is to incorporate the needs of individual municipalities into the project’s preparation.
The EIA concerns sections 518 (Ruzyně-Suchdol) and 519 (Suchdol-Březiněves), enabling the Ministry of Transport and the Roads and Motorways Directorate (ŘSD) to advance their planning. Both sections are essential to relieving traffic in Prague. Kupka emphasised that the ring road would ease the burden on the overloaded roads in the city centre and improve the overall traffic flow throughout the city. Without the bypass, the traffic situation in Prague cannot be resolved.
During the EIA process, the proposals from municipalities were largely taken into account. Some changes will continue to be examined during the upcoming planning phases. Radek Mátl, Director-General of the ŘSD, praised the constructive cooperation with the affected municipalities.
Jakub Stárek, Mayor of Prague 6, expressed particular satisfaction. He stated that congested roads such as Jugoslávských partyzánů and Evropská would be significantly relieved, and the connection to other districts such as Bohnice and Čimice would be improved.
The bypass also takes into account cycling traffic and is set to include a new bridge over the Vltava River, which will be accessible to cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. The final design of the bridge will be the result of an international architectural competition.
As part of the project, comprehensive noise reduction measures will be implemented, including the use of quiet asphalt and noise barriers. Rainwater management measures are also planned to sustainably irrigate the surrounding vegetation.
Construction of section 518, which will be 8.26 km long and include several tunnels, bridges, and barrier-free crossings, is set to begin in 2027. The adjacent section 519 will be 6.85 km long and will also feature modern traffic and environmental solutions. Both sections are crucial parts of the northern Prague ring project, which aims to improve the city’s traffic situation in the long term.
