New bypass improves traffic flow between north and central Czechia

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The new road has a basic lane width of 3.25 m with turning lanes at intersections. Both new roundabouts are clear of sight obstructions and will significantly speed up traffic flow. The impact of traffic on the surrounding built-up area is minimised using noise-control measures. The rerouting of a substantial part of transit traffic to the new road will reduce pollution in the areas surrounding the existing through road.Jan Kroupa, CEO of the Road and Motorway DirectorateWith the help of the European Regional Development Fund, a new bypass was constructed between the I/9 and I/16 in the south of Mělník, a town north of Prague, where both roads run parallel for a short distance.The bypass replaces two one-way streets that used to lead traffic from one to the other transregional road. Rerouting traffic from these smaller, residential streets onto one large, two-lane road has significantly reduced travel time between the two transregional ones. It has increased road safety and decreased pollution from trafficReducing the impact of trafficLocated north of Cukrovarská Street, the new bypass connects the I/9 on Pražská Street with the I/16 on Mladoboleslavská Street. The 799 m stretch consists of two lanes with a width of 3.25 m each. Roundabouts were built on both sides of the bypass to improve traffic flow.To decrease the negative impact of traffic, a noise barrier was constructed. This wall consists of steel columns and concrete plinth panels, topped with plastic panels. This shields Cukrovarská Street and the adjacent residential area from the noise, smell and sight of passing traffic. Greenery was planted on the roadsides and on the roundabouts and lights were installed at regular intervals along the entire stretch.Bypassing two one-way streetsUntil recently, the I/9 and I/16 were connected by two one-way streets. Italská Street served as the exit for the I/9 coming from Prague into Mělník and entry point onto the I/16. It is a small and curvy road with several intersections with obstructed views. In the other direction, going towards Prague, the narrow Cukrovarská Street used to lead traffic from the I/16 to the I/9.With transit traffic between the centre of the country and its northern regions steadily growing, these defects made it increasingly more difficult for traffic to pass smoothly from one transregional road to another. Narrow widths and sharp curves increased noise and air pollution from passing traffic.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “The I/9, I/16 Melnik, bypass, Construction 1” is EUR 5 587 562, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 4 749 428 through the “Transport” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. This project falls under the priority “Jobs, growth and investment.”