New D3 Motorway Section to the Austrian Border Opens

The opening of the new 3.2-kilometre section improves the road connection between the Czech Republic and Austria. At the same time, through traffic will now be diverted away from Dolní Dvořiště.

The Czech Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) has opened another section of the D3 motorway in South Bohemia to traffic. The 3.2-kilometre section runs from Nažidla to the Austrian border and marks another important step in expanding the transport link between Prague, České Budějovice and Austria.

Construction costs amount to approximately CZK 1.04 billion (excluding VAT) following price adjustments. Around 60 per cent of the costs are being financed by the European Union. The complete D3 motorway in South Bohemia is scheduled for completion next year.

Foto: Ministerstvo dopravy

According to the Czech Ministry of Transport, the new section will significantly improve traffic conditions in Dolní Dvořiště. International through traffic will now be routed directly via the motorway to the Austrian border. This is expected to substantially reduce noise, emissions and traffic volumes within the town. The new junction is also expected to improve access to the town of Vyšší Brod.

Most of the new motorway section runs alongside the existing I/3 road. The project includes three bridges, among them a bridge of around 100 metres spanning the Trojanský potok, which also serves as a wildlife crossing. In addition, two noise barriers have been constructed.

During construction, workers discovered several lorry loads of ammunition and grenades dating back to the Second World War, which had to be safely detonated on site. Special environmental protection measures were also required to protect the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. A dedicated system was installed to treat rainwater and construction water before it enters the Malše River.

Foto: Ministerstvo dopravy

As construction of the motorway on the Austrian side has not yet begun, the connection at the border will initially be provided via a temporary exit. A further section of around six kilometres between Kaplice-nádraží and the Kaplice junction is due to open this November. This will eliminate the need for motorists to use the heavily congested level crossing on the I/3 road.

The final remaining section between Kaplice and Nažidla is scheduled to open in June next year. This will complete the D3 motorway in South Bohemia.

Almost 100 kilometres of the D3 motorway are already in operation. Once fully completed, the motorway will stretch almost 170 kilometres, linking Prague with České Budějovice and the Austrian border. At the same time, the ŘSD is continuing preparations for the 59-kilometre Central Bohemian section of the D3. By the end of this year, around 80 per cent of the required land is expected to have been acquired. In addition, applications for building permits for all sections are due to be submitted later this year.