An improved traffic route across the city of Gdańsk in Poland’s Pomorskie region better connects Lech Walesa International Airport to the city’s east and the sea port to its west. The “Slowacki Route” project has reduced congestion and travel times between these two transport hubs, increasing regional competitiveness and local quality of life. It also better integrates the city into the EU-supported Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
Slowacki Route project improves road network between Gdańsk airport and sea port
- 25 January 2017
The investment, especially the road connection under the Vistula River, is supremely important for the improvement of traffic conditions in Gdansk and further development of the city and sea port. It improves the conditions for and reduces the costs of cargo transport from and to the Sea Port Gdansk; additionally, it reduces external costs and invigorates economic activity around the port.
Over 10 km of road was constructed or widened to provide a direct route through the city, which relieves pressure on smaller roads and the S6 bypass around Gdańsk. To further increase capacity and driving times, the project constructed a 1.34 km tunnel under the Vistula River, previously crossed only by ferry.
Other project works make roads safer for pedestrians, improve public transport connections and make surrounding neighbourhoods more attractive.
Infrastructure upgrade
The project’s main task was to widen single-carriage sections of roads to two lanes on each side. Renovations and new construction took place along four sections of the route. Work included new flyovers, viaducts and underpasses, along with construction or realignment of slip roads, local roads and utilities.
Major engineering work created the new Vistula River tunnel near the sea port. Two 12.5 m wide tunnels up to 35 m under the river were dug out using a special boring machine, with entrances and exits on each side built using conventional digging methods.
Works to streets included measures to reduce traffic contamination of surface water, pedestrian tunnels, bicycle paths and new street and traffic lights. Wildlife is protected with animal underpasses, while sound and visual pollution is reduced through acoustic barriers and greenery.
Better journeys, better environment
Journeys are now faster and transport costs lower, benefiting drivers. At the same time, negative impacts on the environment and local people from overcrowded roads and slow-moving traffic have been reduced.
A first in Poland, the Vistula underwater road tunnel has proved popular. Over 35 000 vehicles were crossing per day shortly after it opened. It has eased the burden on roads in the city centre and is expected to have a positive impact on the development of the port and nearby infrastructure.
The increased capacity and better transport infrastructure have improved traffic safety, which should make the region more attractive for businesses, tourism and shopping. Gdańsk sea port alone can now handle up to 62.8 million more tonnes of cargo per year due to the improved access.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Połączenie Portu Lotniczego z Portem Morskim Gdańsk – Trasa Słowackiego” is EUR 337 833 465, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 253 816 113 through the “Infrastructure and Environment” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Environment-friendly transport”.