Starting Monday, July 13, all traffic on the D35 motorway will be diverted through the municipality of Ostrov due to construction delays on the Homole tunnel. According to the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD), this traffic restriction will remain in place until August 24, when the new motorway section between Ostrov and Vysoké Mýto is scheduled to open, excluding the unfinished tunnel.
Traffic Diversion and Construction Timeline
Drivers traveling on the D35 will be required to exit and re-enter the motorway via the Městec junction (exit 157) for the duration of the six-week closure. The ŘSD confirmed this change via its official social media channels, noting that the detour is necessary to facilitate work on connecting the existing motorway to the new segment. During this period, crews will focus on building a temporary feeder road leading to the Homole tunnel.
The detour effectively shortens the usable portion of the D35 by approximately 1.5 kilometers. Additionally, the existing temporary feeder road on the I/17 road will be rendered impassable to accommodate the construction activities. The project, which has been underway since May 2024, is being managed by a consortium consisting of Eurovia CZ and M-Silnice under a 1.4 billion CZK contract.
Did You Know?
The construction of the Homole tunnel is being handled separately from the main D35 section between Ostrov and Vysoké Mýto, which is why the motorway can open partially in August despite the tunnel-related delays.
Impact on Local Infrastructure
The decision to route motorway traffic through Ostrov is expected to create significant complications for local residents. Because all transit traffic will be funneled through the municipality, the village will experience a substantial increase in vehicle volume through August 24. While the original project timeline aimed for a full opening of the section and the tunnel by the end of this year, the current delays have forced the ŘSD to implement this phased approach to traffic management.
Residents in the affected area may face increased noise and congestion until the permanent connection is fully established.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the D35 being diverted through Ostrov?
The diversion is necessary to connect the current motorway to the new Ostrov–Vysoké Mýto section, a process complicated by delays in the construction of the Homole tunnel.
How long will the traffic restriction last?
The restriction begins on Monday, July 13, and is scheduled to remain in effect until August 24.
Will the new section of the motorway open in August?
Yes, the ŘSD plans to open the new section of the D35 between Ostrov and Vysoké Mýto on August 24, though this opening will exclude the Homole tunnel due to its ongoing construction.
How will these temporary traffic changes affect your commute through the region?
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