D35 motorway projects face rising costs and regulatory delays

Infrastructure development for the D35 motorway in the Czech Republic is facing both rising costs and regulatory delays. The Pardubice Region Road and Maintenance Administration has requested a territorial decision for the third stage of the D35 feeder road, which includes the Chocen bypass. This 8.6-kilometer section is estimated to cost 2.45 billion CZK, an increase of 220 million CZK due to inflation and rising material costs.

Simultaneously, the preparation for the D35 section through the Bohemian Paradise region has been reset. Radek Mátl, Director General of the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD), stated that a new environmental impact assessment (EIA) process is required, which will take at least 2.5 years. This delay pushes the potential start of construction well beyond the previous 2029 estimate, with 2033 being considered an optimistic target. The project involves reassessing various route options, including a four-lane variant and potential tunnels requested by the city of Turnov.