Commuting without traffic jams

The construction of the Rybnik section of the Racibórz – Pszczyna Regional Road started in April 2017, although its traces can already be found on maps from the 1970s. It is a key investment for the development of the city. Thanks to long preparations, especially the creation of a favorable financial package and the highest EU subsidy in the history of the city, we managed to build a road which is not only a bypass for Rybnik but also an alternative to other routes in this part of the region. The new high speed route connected our city with the Katowice agglomeration, significantly shortening the travel time. Taking the bypass we can smoothly travel to the opposite end of Rybnik – from national road 78 to A1 motorway. We'll also get to Ostrava faster than we used to.

As part of the investment, an over ten-kilometer long bypass was built. Nearly 900 meters of Downtown Road, eleven viaducts, two bridges and five collision-free road junctions, retention tanks and a large network of stormwater drainage were also built.

In this enormous project, administrative procedures were more difficult than the works. They took twice as long as the construction itself, as they involved a great number of permits necessary for the realization of the investment. The construction went through a strongly urbanized area, there were passages with local and provincial roads, railway lines and a junction with a national road. However, an experienced team and efficient cooperation between the city and the contractor made it possible to implement this impressive project. We're proud of it. It's the civilization leap for our city.

In addition to improving the transport system, the road has also increased the access to the industrial areas of the city. We will all benefit from this - it is an opportunity for business development and, as a result, the creation of new jobs and increased living comfort.

As much as 8.5 thousand tons of steel was used to build the road - exactly what the Eiffel Tower weighs! The scale of the undertaking can also be pictured by 56 thousand cubic meters of concrete - as much as it takes to fill 70 recreational swimming pools.

I've been living in Rybnik since I was born, with a break for a university. What I've noticed over the years is a dramatic increase in the number of cars. Unfortunately, for a long time road investments did not follow. Our famous roundabouts in Rybnik were helpful at the beginning, allowing for relatively smooth traveling, but with time they also started failing. In a few spots during rush hour traffic jams were really long and annoying. Therefore, I am glad that the city decided to move the transit traffic outside Rybnik by means of a bypass. We could catch some breath.

Why am I telling you this? For eleven years I have been running my own company, dealing with the distribution and installation of ecological pellet boilers and heat pumps. I have clients not only in the region, but all over Poland and even abroad. This involves frequent trips, because no emails or phone calls can replace a face-to-face meeting and old-fashion chat. So I spend many hours travelling. Since a new part of the road was handed over, driving comfort has improved significantly. First of all, the connection with the A1 motorway is much better. You don't have to struggle by taking the old route to Żory. This is a great saving of time and nerves, especially during the school year.

As an entrepreneur, I also appreciate that the bypass has freed up attractive investment plots. I hope that will bring new investors to the city. The areas along the new section are an ideal place for both commercial and residential construction. The new route brings benefits not only to the drivers, but also to the whole city. The quality of road infrastructure is nowadays an important part of building the brand of a modern place in the region. The prestige of Rybnik has undoubtedly grew.

It's nice that the city is reaching for available EU funds from Brussels. We need to make use of them and invest them wisely. All the more so because the majority of local governments cannot afford to spend money from the municipal budget today. Without the subsidy, Rybnik would probably not have been able to face the costs of such investment. I'll look forward to seeing more of such good initiatives.