New expressway improves traffic flow in North West Poland

The new road segment stretches from Szczecin, on the German border, southwards to Gorzów Wielkopolski. It is part of the Polish section of the E65 route, which is an element of the Trans-European Transport Network - TEN-T - programme that links Malmö, in Sweden, to Chania, in Crete.

Benefits for road users and local inhabitants

The main beneficiaries of the scheme are drivers who can expect significantly shorter journey times, higher safety standards, and a better all-round travel experience.

At the same time, the new road brings benefits to the population of the Western Pomerania and Lubuskie regions, through which the road travels. Szczecin and Gorzów Wielkopolski, both important regional centres, are expected to become more easily accessible for the inhabitants of the surrounding municipalities. Local inhabitants can also enjoy less pollution and better environmental protection, preserving local biodiversity.

Scope of new installations

The new 88.6 km long expressway encompasses four interchanges, 77 civil engineering structures, including bridges and viaducts, and environmental protection infrastructure, such as wildlife crossings, amphibian fences and ledges, compensating reservoirs, and environment monitoring mechanisms. Travellers will also find 10 new service areas, and two road maintenance areas have been constructed.

The new road, a four-lane expressway, is designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, and axle loads of 115 kN/axle. It has been operational since 2010.

Total investment and EU funding

Total investment for the project “Construction of Express Road no 3, section Szczecin – Gorzow Wielkopolski” is EUR 595 600 764, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 377 833 020, through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme, for the 2007-2013 programming period, under priority axis 6, "TEN-T road and air transport network".