The Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) has officially commenced the complete reconstruction of the Aviatická highway interchange near Václav Havel Airport. The project, which begins with a delay of more than six months, aims to create a safer and higher-capacity connection between the airport and the Prague Ring road.
Construction is expected to seize a year and a half to complete. To minimize disruption, all operate will be carried out while the interchange remains in operation.
Addressing a “Traffic Unbearable” Hub
The project is a response to severe systemic failures at the current site. Radek Mátl, Director General of ŘSD, described the existing interchange as “absolutely unsuitable” and “unbearable” from a long-term transport perspective.
Current issues include frequent accidents and dangerously short connecting and turning lanes. The reconstruction seeks to resolve these problems by building direct branches, specifically a critical direct route from the city center to the airport.
High Volume and New Infrastructure
The scale of the project is driven by heavy traffic demands. According to last year’s traffic census, 65,089 vehicles pass daily on road I/7 between Evropská and Aviatická streets toward the airport, including 6,800 heavy goods vehicles.
The new design will feature eight ramps and two collector lanes, connecting the city center, the airport, Slaný, and Přední Kopanina. The total length of the new branches will exceed four kilometers.
Additional infrastructure includes the construction of two new bridges and a noise barrier measuring nearly 400 meters.
Budget and Project Delays
The contract was awarded to Swietelsky stavební for 894.6 million CZK, excluding VAT. Although the company won the tender in September of last year, the signing was delayed until this spring due to an unclear budget.
Further setbacks occurred due to complicated land acquisitions and multiple postponements of the bid submission deadlines. These factors combined to push the start date back by several months.
Future Development Phases
This reconstruction represents the first stage of a broader transformation of the D7 (road I/7) near Prague. Minister of Transport Ivan Bednárik noted that the project is designed to integrate with the Prague Ring road to accommodate long-term traffic growth.
A possible next step includes the creation of a new highway connection between the Ruzyně and Aviatická interchanges to remove an unsuitable level crossing. This may also prepare the route for a future expansion to 3+3 lanes.
Looking further ahead, a second stage is likely to connect the Chomutov highway to the Prague Ring. A new section from Ruzyně to Suchdol may be constructed between 2028 and 2031.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the reconstruction of the Aviatická interchange take?
The work is planned to be completed within a year and a half.
Who is the contractor for the project and what is the total cost?
The contract was awarded to Swietelsky stavební for 894.6 million CZK without VAT.
What specific improvements will the new interchange provide?
The project will introduce eight ramps, two collector lanes, and four kilometers of new branches to connect the center, airport, Slaný, and Přední Kopanina, while also adding two new bridges and a 400-meter noise wall.
Do you suppose these infrastructure upgrades will be enough to solve the long-term traffic congestion around Prague’s main airport?
