COMPLETION OF THE SECOND STAGE OF WORKS AT THE POZNAŃ BYPASS

After three months of extension of the motorway bypass of Poznań, the second stage of works is coming to an end, which in practice means the introduction of new temporary traffic management. This will take place as early as 21/22 June (preparatory works will start on 20 June). Drivers must carefully observe the signposting – two lanes in each direction will be available on the northern carriageway, i.e. towards Świecko. How have the works been carried out so far, what has been done and what surprise for the drivers entering the bypass have Autostrada Wielkopolska S.A. and McDonald's prepared?

Through the eyes of the contractor – what's been done

More than 200 people are working to ensure that by the end of the year drivers will have at their disposal a three-lane Poznań bypass, both in the direction of Warsaw and Świecko. 

– During the three months of the extension project between the Poznań Komorniki and Poznań Luboń interchanges, we built the third lane on the southern carriageway towards Warsaw, we laid the pavement up to the existing level and installed guardrails on a 6-kilometre section. The third lane was also built on the opposite side of the motorway (i.e. towards Świecko). We have already laid a bituminous layer there. We have also extended the sliproad at the Poznań Luboń interchange and prepared the foundations for the installation of variable message signs, which will keep the drivers informed about road incidents and conditions on an ongoing basis – says Marcin Szczepański of Strabag Polska Sp. z o.o. – That's exactly what we have planned in the work program – he adds.

So far 35,000 tonnes of mineral-asphalt mixture have been laid down, which can be compared to 18 trains with 34 cars each, and the construction vehicles (including rollers and dump trucks) covered a total of hundreds of thousands kilometres. 

Through the eyes of the employer – what’s scheduled

From 21/22 June the southern carriageway, i.e. the one towards Warsaw, will be closed. Four lanes (two in each direction) will be transferred to the northern carriageway (towards Świecko). A wearing course and a binding course will be laid on the closed carriageway on all three already built lanes and guardrails and noise barriers will be installed.

– We are very pleased with the progress of works. We are aware of the difficult weather conditions in which they have to be carried out. However, the heavy rains in May and the African heat in June did not cause any delays in the very tight schedule.
 Maintaining the current pace, we will deliver three traffic lanes in both directions over a 16 km section later this year. We cooperate with a reliable contractor and our investment project is very different from other projects currently underway. We are observing what is happening in the industry. Termination of contracts or contractors leaving the site has, unfortunately, been quite a common phenomenon lately. – says Zofia Kwiatkowska, spokeswoman for AWSA.

Through the eyes of a driver – what it looks like in practice

While creating a temporary traffic management plan for the expansion of the bypass, two lanes in both directions were maintained. Three months of works showed that the proposed solution works perfectly well in practice. 

– Our survey shows that the majority of drivers are thinking about the future benefits, i.e. the three lanes on the bypass, and therefore accept the difficulties resulting from the ongoing works. Singposting and temporary traffic management are understandable for the drivers, although they all agree that it requires more concentration behind the wheel – says Zofia Kwiatkowska, AWSA's spokeswoman. – A refreshed driver reacts more quickly on the road, so we remind those who are traveling long distances of taking breaks at numerous motorway rest areas” – she adds.

AWSA and McDonald's action encourages drivers to take a break from the journey. From 12 June to 4 July, all drivers entering the Poznań bypass from the east and west can take advantage of a free coffee invitation. Stopping at the toll station in Gołuski and Nagradowice, they receive a special voucher, which can then be exchanged for McCafe coffee in the participating restaurants (up to 23.59 hours the next day after receiving it). 

– Together with McDonald's, we invite drivers to enjoy delicious, aromatic and, most importantly, free coffee. This is a great opportunity for a break in the journey and a favour to those who drive along the Poznań bypass a little longer than usual due to the extension, temporary traffic management and speed limit of 70km/h – says Zofia Kwiatkowska, AWSA spokeswoman.

Pictures from the bypass extension to be downloaded.

See the survey carried out among the drivers using the Poznań bypass.