The Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) must restart the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process for the I/35 road section between Turnov and Úlibice after the Supreme Administrative Court upheld a decision to cancel the previous binding positive statement. According to ŘSD spokesperson Jan Rýdl, this administrative reset will likely delay the project by two to three years.
Court Upholds Cancellation of EIA Statement
The legal conflict began in December 2025 when then-Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) decided to cancel the binding positive EIA statement. ŘSD filed an administrative lawsuit in March 2026 after learning of the decision, but the Municipal Court in Prague rejected the claim.
ŘSD subsequently filed a cassation complaint and an appeal against the minister’s decision. On July 10, the Supreme Administrative Court confirmed the previous ruling of the municipal court, effectively ending the legal challenge.
Did You Know? The legal dispute reached the highest level of the judiciary, with the Supreme Administrative Court confirming the Municipal Court in Prague’s decision on July 10.
Traffic Impact on Turnov and Surrounding Regions
The delayed project affects the planned connection between Liberec and Hradec Králové. While the D35 section from Hradec Králové to Úlibice is expected to be completed within three years, the missing link to Turnov may increase traffic burdens on local municipalities.
Turnov Mayor Tomáš Hocke (Independent Block) expressed concern that traffic will thicken. Currently, transit traffic passes through the center of Turnov, with up to 26,000 cars crossing the bridge over the Jizera river every 24 hours, passing through housing estates and near commercial centers.
Next Steps for the I/35 Project
ŘSD must now issue a new public tender for the processing and discussion of the EIA process. Jan Rýdl stated that the directorate has no choice but to prepare new documentation and request the same statement from the Ministry of the Environment.
The restart of the EIA process opens the possibility for partial adjustments to the proposed route. This may include a comparison of route variants through the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) region, as some parties have requested. Construction of the first stage was originally intended to begin in 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ŘSD have to restart the EIA process?
The Supreme Administrative Court upheld a decision to cancel the binding positive EIA statement originally issued and then revoked by former Minister Petr Hladík.
How long will the road construction be delayed?
According to ŘSD spokesperson Jan Rýdl, traffic will likely continue to flow through the villages for at least two to three years longer than necessary.
What is the current traffic situation in Turnov?
Up to 26,000 vehicles pass over the Jizera bridge in Turnov every 24 hours, putting the city’s capacity at its limit.
Do you believe public consultations should allow for new route variants even if it delays project completion?
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