The construction of a key section of Poland’s S19 expressway, part of the Via Carpatia route, has come to an abrupt halt following the termination of a significant contract. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) ended its agreement with Mostostal Warszawa, responsible for building the stretch between Domaradz and Krosno in the Podkarpackie region. Originally inked in November 2022, the contract had set a completion goal for June 2026. Yet, by spring 2026, progress had stalled with only about 5% of the work finished.
In April, Mostostal Warszawa informed GDDKiA of its withdrawal from the project, pointing to delays in the road authority’s contractual duties and unresolved project hurdles. The company reported that unforeseen ground conditions had escalated costs by approximately PLN 150 million, and modifications mandated by the environmental authority could potentially add another PLN 400 million to the budget. In response, GDDKiA dismissed these claims, attributing the lack of progress to Mostostal’s shortcomings. The contract was officially terminated in May, prompting the authority to secure the construction site and evaluate the work completed thus far.
With the inventory process finalized, GDDKiA is now poised to initiate a new tender process for the unfinished Domaradz–Krosno section, anticipated to commence around late August or early September. The new contractor will be tasked with completing the project within 26 to 28 months of contract signing, adhering to the pre-established budget. Meanwhile, other parts of the Via Carpatia route in Podkarpackie are also experiencing setbacks. The Babice–Jawornik section has been delayed to October 2027, while the Rzeszów Południe–Babice segment, which includes a 2.2-kilometre tunnel, is now forecasted for completion in January 2028.
These delays are compounding challenges for the Via Carpatia development, a crucial transport corridor aimed at enhancing connectivity between southeastern Poland and the broader European road network. As the project encounters these hurdles, the pressure mounts to maintain momentum and ensure that this vital infrastructure meets its intended objectives without further financial strain or timeline extensions.