In a landmark decision, the Supreme Administrative Court has dismissed a complaint against the construction of a crucial section of the D3 highway in Central Bohemia. This ruling paves the way for the completion of the missing link between Prague and České Budějovice, a project that has been both eagerly anticipated and hotly contested.
The court’s decision specifically addresses a 16.5-kilometer stretch between Voračice and Nová Hospoda, rejecting concerns about the protection of specially protected animal species in the area. For the Ministry of Transport and the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD), this development marks a significant step forward in their priority project.
Proponents argue that the highway will significantly alleviate traffic on the heavily congested I/3 road in the Benešov region, where drivers currently endure daily gridlock and lengthy delays. However, the project faces staunch opposition from environmental groups and local communities, with eleven municipalities united under the banner of the Alternative D3 association.
Critics of the highway extension raise concerns about its environmental impact, citing potential destruction of natural habitats and protected species. They also worry about excessive construction costs, noise pollution, and water loss in areas where tunnels and landscape cuts are planned.
Addressing these concerns, Transport Minister Martin Kupka has promised to construct water supply lines before the highway itself, acknowledging existing water supply issues in the affected municipalities. The ŘSD has also proposed compensatory measures for protected areas to mitigate the impact of the highway’s construction and operation.
The ambitious project, spanning over 60 kilometers through Central Bohemia, is slated for completion by 2031. It includes a complex network of bridges and seven tunnels totaling nearly seven kilometers in length, reflecting the challenging terrain of the Sázava region. With an estimated cost of 56.4 billion Czech crowns (including VAT), the Central Bohemian D3 represents a significant investment in the country’s infrastructure.
As the project moves forward, it continues to symbolize the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental preservation, a debate that is likely to persist as construction begins in earnest.