With the release of two new sections of the D6 motorway, the completion of the route between Prague and Karlovy Vary moves a step closer. The 14.4-kilometre stretch eases traffic in the region and reduces travel time between the Czech capital and Karlovy Vary.
Since the end of last week, drivers can use two new sections of the D6 motorway near Hořovičky and Hořesedly. The total route measures 14.4 kilometres and completes the motorway’s course in the Central Bohemian Region. Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) announced that the entire connection between Prague and Karlovy Vary is expected to be finished by 2028. Currently, a further 27 kilometres of the D6 are under construction in the Karlovy Vary and Ústí nad Labem regions.
The opening of the new sections diverts transit traffic away from local villages and shortens travel time between Prague and Karlovy Vary. The section near Hořesedly connects to the section at Krupá, which was opened last year, and spans over nine kilometres. It includes twelve bridges as well as the new Kněževes junction. The roughly five-kilometre-long section near Hořovičky includes six bridges and the Jesenice junction. Construction of both sections began in early 2023.
Completing the D6 is a priority for the road administration. This year, work has also begun on the Knínice–Bošov and Žalmanov–Knínice sections, covering a total of 15 kilometres. Of the approximately 114 kilometres between the Czech capital and Karlovy Vary, around 43 kilometres of motorway are still missing.
Across the country, 69 kilometres of new motorways are expected to be completed by the end of the year. In December, the D1 section near Přerov will open, completing the motorway after 58 years. Among the largest projects are the Prague ring motorway and the D3 in Central Bohemia. The latter could become the first motorway in the country where a 150 km/h speed limit is permitted as early as October. However, construction of some sections faces opposition from citizen initiatives, leading to potential legal disputes. In addition, the actual construction work is particularly challenging in some areas.
