The construction of a section of Poland’s S19 expressway, linking Domaradz and Krosno in the Podkarpackie region, has encountered significant setbacks following the termination of a PLN 1 billion contract. Originally assigned to Mostostal Warszawa in November 2022 by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA), the project was expected to be completed by June 2026. However, progress has been minimal, with only 5 percent of the work achieved by spring 2026, leading to further delays in the development of the Via Carpatia route.
Mostostal Warszawa announced its withdrawal from the project in April, attributing the decision to delays in the fulfillment of contractual obligations by GDDKiA and unresolved issues that hindered progress. The contractor also reported that unforeseen ground conditions had escalated costs by approximately PLN 150 million. Additionally, modifications mandated by the environmental authority could potentially increase expenses by another PLN 400 million. Despite these claims, GDDKiA dismissed them and held Mostostal responsible for the stalled progress, formally ending the contract in May and moving to secure the construction site and evaluate the work completed so far.
With the inventory now finalized, GDDKiA is preparing to initiate a new tender process to complete the Domaradz–Krosno section, anticipated to commence around late August or early September. The new contractor will be expected to finish the project within 26 to 28 months of signing, adhering to the existing budget constraints. This development is crucial for the advancement of the Via Carpatia corridor, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing transportation links between southeastern Poland and the broader European road network.
The Domaradz–Krosno section is not the only part of the Via Carpatia facing delays. The Babice–Jawornik section’s completion has been postponed to October 2027, while the Rzeszów Południe–Babice stretch, which includes a tunnel exceeding 2.2 kilometers, is now anticipated to be finished by January 2028. These setbacks are putting additional pressure on the overall progress of the Via Carpatia, an essential route designed to improve regional connectivity and economic integration.