Transport: NDS Launches Tender for Another Kosice Bypass Section

Kosice, 27 May (TASR) - Investments in the development of road transport in Kosice region will continue, as the National Highway Company (NDS) has called a public tender for the construction of another section of the Kosice bypass, spanning from the village of Haniska to the city borough of Saca, Transport Minister Jozef Raz (a Smer-SD nominee) told a press briefing on Wednesday, adding that the new expressway will relieve several villages of heavy traffic. "Kosice had until recently been struggling with a disastrous traffic situation on its urban routes. Local people experienced considerable relief following the opening of the second phase of the bypass last year. Villages along the planned expressway deserve the same relief," noted Raz. In total, over 100 structures will be built along the R2 section between Kosice-Saca and Kosicke Olsany during the first phase, including five bridges and two grade-separated junctions. The estimated value of the contract for constructing the 6.8-kilometre section is €162.5 million ex. VAT, with the final price to be determined by the tender. The first phase of the Kosice bypass will complement the existing 14-kilometre section of the expressway, which has been available to drivers for about six months now. "The second section of the bypass significantly relieved urban routes, diverting up to 90 percent of transit traffic. Approximately 3,000 heavy goods vehicles use this section daily, meaning that they no longer burden the inner city with heavy traffic and noise," added NDS general director Filip Machacek. When the first section is completed, motorists will be able to drive from the I/16 road in the direction from Saca to the existing D1 motorway and the R4 expressway sections around Kosice. NDS officials expect a further reduction in transit freight traffic thanks to this. jrg/df