Polish municipalities lobby for S46 expressway construction

Local governments in the Opole, Silesian, and Świętokrzyskie voivodeships are intensifying efforts to include the S46 expressway, known as the ‘Szlak Staropolski’, in the national road construction program. More than 20 municipalities, including Częstochowa, Opole, and Kielce, have passed resolutions supporting the project. Proponents argue the route would create a vital east-west transport corridor, supporting economic growth and national defense.

There are currently two competing proposals for the route. One plan, supported by Częstochowa and Opole, suggests following the existing DK46 through Lubliniec and Częstochowa to Jędrzejów, where it would connect with the S7. An alternative proposal from Kluczbork and Gorzów Śląski suggests a northern route (potentially termed S45/46) that would run near the heavily used DK45, connecting to the S3 near Olesno and the A1 motorway before reaching Kielce via Włoszczowa.

The Ministry of Infrastructure has stated it does not currently plan to include the S46 in government programs, noting that the road is not in existing regulations. Officials cited insufficient traffic volume on many existing sections as a reason for the hesitation. However, the Ministry indicated that the results of the 2025 General Traffic Measurement may serve as a basis for future changes to road investment priorities.