The planned road project between Ohrazenice u Turnova and Úlibice u Jičína faces significant delays after the environmental impact assessment (EIA) approval was canceled, with officials estimating that construction is unlikely to begin before 2033 at the earliest. According to Mátl, the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) must now spend two and a half years on a new EIA process, route assessments, design work, and land acquisition following the December decision by then-Minister of Environment Petr Hladík.
Route Variants and Regional Demands Under Review
Originally slated to begin in 2029, the infrastructure project involves a stretch from Ohrazenic u Turnova to Úlibic u Jičína. The initial design planned for a four-lane highway from Ohrazenic to Žernov, transitioning to a two-lane road with a alternating third lane toward Jičín. However, according to Mátl, the Královéhradecký kraj requests that this entire section feature four lanes.
This regional demand means authorities will assess a four-lane highway variant that could incorporate tunnels requested by the town of Turnov. “We are prepared to include the tunnels there and at least technically examine the large tunnel solution under the Jizera River in the basics,” Mátl stated. Meanwhile, the coalition of associations SOS Český ráj strongly opposes the proposed northern route through the center of Český ráj, arguing the project requires a complete redesign.
Did You Know? The original northern route for the D35 highway was designed to run straight through the center of the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area (CHKO).
Environmental Opposition and Alternative Southern Route Proposals
The coalition of associations SOS Český ráj urges officials to abandon the northern route entirely and focus preparations on a southern alternative. According to coalition spokesperson Jan Piňos, a regular highway cannot be built through Český ráj for multiple reasons, and the southern variant would offer multiple-fold reductions in impacts on residents, visitors, nature, the landscape, and the state budget. “We call on them to stop wasting time and public funds on a completely unrealistic project,” Piňos said.
The proposed southern route would bypass the protected territory from the south starting from Jičín along roads I/16 and II/268 through Sobotka and Mnichovo Hradiště, avoiding the center of the CHKO Český ráj. Critics note this alternative would lengthen the journey from Jičín to Liberec, increase traffic on the D10 highway, and fail to solve connections to Semily. Mátl added that the southern route lacks backing in municipal spatial plans and faces opposition from the Středočeský kraj, concluding that any shift to this path would delay construction by up to 20 years.
Expert Insight: Navigating major infrastructure disputes in protected natural regions frequently requires balancing strict environmental compliance with long-term regional traffic demands, a process that can add years or even decades to preliminary planning phases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the delay in the road project?
The delay stems from the cancellation of the positive environmental impact assessment (EIA) decision last December by then-Minister of Environment Petr Hladík.
When might construction realistically begin?
According to Mátl, 2033 is a very optimistic completion of preliminary steps, with construction unlikely to start before then due to a required 2.5-year EIA process, route selection, design, and land acquisition.
What is the main alternative to the northern route?
The southern route would bypass the Český ráj Protected Landscape Area from the south via Jičín, Sobotka, and Mnichovo Hradiště, though it faces local planning hurdles and opposition from the Středočeský kraj.
How will regional authorities resolve the conflicting demands for road capacity and environmental protection in the area?
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