The design for bridging the valley above the Sázava could be addressed by a competition

Jílové near Prague - The design of the bridge over the valley above the Sázava River, planned as part of the D3 motorway construction, could be addressed through an architectural competition. Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS) said today to ČTK during a volunteer event Clean River Sázava that he would be pleased if the competition took place. Volunteers are cleaning the surroundings of the river this weekend. They worked, among other places, around Žampach, which is part of Jílové near Prague, where a bridge for the D3 motorway spanning the Sázava valley is expected to be built in the future.

The construction of the D3 on the currently planned route also has opponents; for example, members of the association Alternative Central Bohemian D3 point to its course through a tourist-attractive area and possible problems with the subsoil in the vicinity of Jílové near Prague, where gold was mined in the Middle Ages. The Central Bohemian sections of the D3 will enable further connection between the Benešov region and Prague and will also relieve the D1 motorway.

"The route is set, the Czech Republic needs this construction. It will be about finding a technical solution that will impact the landscape as sensitively as possible," said Kupka. Geological surveys, including boreholes, are continuing to verify whether the road can be built along the planned route and cross the valley of the Sázava. Its alignment is in accordance with the valid Principles of Territorial Development of the Central Bohemian Region and the issued environmental impact statement. "When one intervenes in the landscape, it should be done in a way that is truly responsible and that also contributes something back to the landscape," Kupka believes.

According to Kupka, there are plenty of beautiful spots around the Sázava, but it is a cultural rather than a natural landscape. There are many cottages, chalets, and other buildings. "Bridges are becoming landmarks of the landscape all over the world, and the aim is for the bridge to bring additional architectural quality to the area," added Kupka. He mentioned that the route is repeatedly being reviewed; in recent years assessments have continued regarding the best way to route the motorway or whether it would be better to increase the capacity of road I/3. However, only the approved route meets all the necessary functions.

According to information from the website of the Road and Motorway Directorate, construction of the Central Bohemian sections of the D3 could begin in 2026. The motorway is intended to connect Prague with České Budějovice and the Austrian border. While construction has been underway in South Bohemia, the approval process is continuing in Central Bohemia. The Central Bohemian section is expected to measure 60 kilometers. The motorway corridor is to consist of five sections: Prague-Jílové, Jílové-Hostěradice, Hostěradice-Václavice, Václavice-Voračice, and Voračice-Nová Hospoda.