On 11 March 2024, the Infrastructure Branch of Unibep SA took over the site for the construction of a key section of the S19 Krynice – Białystok Zachód. This is the first step in the realisation of this ambitious project. The agreement for the construction of this section was signed in May 2021 and the road will be constructed by a consortium comprising PORR SA from Warsaw and Unibep SA from Bielsk Podlaski.
Via Carpatia and the International Transport Corridor
This section is an integral part of the international transport corridor Via Carpatia, connecting Baltic countries with the South of Europe. The ordering party is the State Treasury – General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways, branch in Olsztyn. The value of the agreement is approx. PLN 329.8 million net (approx. PLN 405.6 million gross), with the planned completion of works scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.
Implementation priorities and challenges posed by the Białystok Zachód junction
“It is our priority to ensure the appropriate protection of fauna and flora in areas affected by the construction works, considering that the construction site is located in environmentally protected areas. We pay particular attention to the coordination of works at the railway structure, the road embankment, and the bridge over the Biała and Supraśl rivers,” said Tomasz Klekotko, Construction Manager. “Besides, considering the existing traffic on the S8 route, which exits Białystok heading towards Warsaw, the construction of the road junction in this area poses a significant challenge. It is necessary to ensure the continuity of traffic on the S8, which requires precise planning and execution of construction works. Therefore, our goal is to maintain the smooth flow of traffic without disruptions, in accordance with the requirements and administrative approval,” added Tomasz Klekotko.
The Krynice – Dobrzyniewo – Białystok Zachód section, although not very long, plays a crucial role in the road network. As part of this task, the Białystok Zachód junction will be constructed, connecting two expressways: the under-construction S19 with the existing S8. Additionally, the S8 will be reconstructed over a length of approx. 1.9 kilometre.
Źródło: GDDKiA
Task description
The task will also cover the construction of 13 engineering structures, including two bridges, over Supraśl and Biała rivers, and a railway viaduct over the Białystok – Ełk tracks.
The S19 expressway will feature two lanes in each direction (with space reserved for a third lane) and it will be designed to loads of 11.5 tonnes per axle. The entire S19 route, which will run along the eastern border of Poland, is part of the international Via Carpatia from north to south across Europe and it will be 580 km long in Poland.