A critical stretch of road in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic is facing significant disruption as authorities address a landslip threatening the integrity of Highway I/19 near Pohled. The deteriorating condition of the roadway, marked by substantial cracks and instability, has prompted immediate traffic restrictions and the planning of extensive repairs. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining infrastructure in the face of geological instability and increasing traffic demands.
The affected section of Highway I/19, a vital artery connecting communities between Pohled and the settlement of Simtany, has been reduced to single-lane traffic controlled by temporary signals. According to Jiří Veselý, a regional spokesperson for the Road and Highway Directorate (ŘSD), the restrictions were implemented due to the worsening state of the road over the winter months. “Serious cracks appeared at the edges of the roadway. A geological assessment revealed that the cause is an unstable slope that is collapsing,” Veselý explained. Approximately 2,000 vehicles, including a significant number of heavy goods vehicles, utilize this route daily, necessitating careful navigation through the restricted area.
Landslip Forces Emergency Measures and Extensive Repairs
The immediate priority is to manage traffic flow safely through the compromised section. ŘSD anticipates the current single-lane arrangement will remain in place for roughly a month. However, this is merely a temporary measure preceding a larger-scale reconstruction project. The Directorate has already undertaken a previous emergency repair on the same stretch of road two years ago, indicating a recurring issue with the stability of the land. The current plan involves a comprehensive overhaul of the approximately half-kilometer section, addressing both the immediate landslip and long-term safety concerns.
The planned reconstruction aims not only to stabilize the problematic slope but also to enhance the overall safety and efficiency of the roadway. ŘSD is currently in the process of selecting a contractor for the project, which is estimated to cost over 67 million Czech crowns (approximately $2.9 million USD as of March 8, 2026) excluding value-added tax (VAT). The project is expected to be completed within five months of the contract award. The Directorate’s website, www.rsd.cz, provides further information on ongoing road projects and traffic advisories.
Roadway Improvements to Enhance Safety and Capacity
The existing Highway I/19 in this location is considered inadequate for the volume and importance of traffic it carries. The reconstruction will involve widening the road from its current 5.5 meters to 7.5 meters, providing more space for vehicles and improving traffic flow. The project will simplify the road’s alignment, replacing four sharp bends with a pair of gentler curves. This redesign is intended to reduce the risk of accidents and improve the overall driving experience.
Foto: ŘSD
Traffic is currently managed with temporary signals as reconstruction plans progress.
Addressing Underlying Causes
Veselý attributed the road’s deterioration to a combination of factors, including a malfunctioning drainage system and the ongoing collapse of the slope above the roadway. The reconstruction project will prioritize addressing these underlying issues to prevent future instability. The Road and Highway Directorate, a state-owned enterprise responsible for the maintenance and development of the Czech Republic’s road network, is committed to ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of its infrastructure. Contact information for the Central Bohemian Region branch of ŘSD can be found on their website, including the email address of Bc. Jiří Veselý: [email protected].
The Directorate’s headquarters are located at Čerčanská 2023/12, Krč, 140 00 Prague 4, and can be reached via their data mailbox: zjq4rhz. Ing., Ph.D. Tomáš Grosstel serves as the Director of the Prague Branch, while Ing. Pavel Kocanda LL.M. Is the Director of the Prague Administration. Ing. Adéla Vokounová leads the operational section and can be contacted at [email protected].
This project is part of a broader effort by the Czech government to modernize and improve its transportation infrastructure. Investment in road maintenance and upgrades is crucial for supporting economic growth and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and people throughout the country. The ongoing work on Highway I/19 serves as a reminder of the constant need for vigilance and proactive maintenance to safeguard vital transportation links.
Motorists traveling in the area are advised to expect delays and to exercise caution when navigating the single-lane section of Highway I/19. Regular updates on traffic conditions and road closures can be found on the ŘSD website and through local traffic reports. The completion of this reconstruction project will significantly improve safety and traffic flow on this critical route.
The next key milestone in this project will be the announcement of the selected contractor, which is expected in the coming weeks. ŘSD will then publish a detailed timeline for the reconstruction work, providing motorists with a clearer understanding of the anticipated disruptions. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available.
Do you have any experiences traveling on this stretch of road? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below. Please also share this article with anyone who may be affected by the road closures and reconstruction work.