R48 Belotín-Cesky Tesin Expressway

The 5.6km four-lane expressway runs east from the existing I/48 at the city of Frýdek-Místek and bypass Dobrá on the village’s northern side. The €39M project – 60% of which is funded by ISPA – is part of a national road improvement programme which will provide long-term benefits for local residents such as development of local economy and infrastructure; R48 is part of a strategic road network linking eastern and western Europe.

This new section of first category highway involved two grade-separated intersections, 13 diversions of local second and third class roads, 11 bridges and a footbridge, as well as a pedestrian subway, several retaining walls, various culverts and several diversions of public utilities. The project also involves the construction of several sections of anti-noise barriers.

Development of the project poses various challenges including diverting the Černý stream alongside the road for 2km and working within the protection zone of the České Dráhy rail line. At the western end of the scheme the road corridor runs parallel to and directly adjacent to the railway line, requiring close liaison with the Czech railway authorities to ensure minimal disruption. Environmental features range from landscaping and traditional tree planting to acoustic barriers, wild animal crossings and drainage water treatment.

We provided construction management and supervision services including the review of detailed designs, to ensure compliance with national and international standards.