Reconstruction and modernisation of D4 motorway, the section between Příbram and Písek, made the Czech Republic join several other countries using the nonconventional type of transport infrastructure financing via PPP (Public Private Partnership). This is the first project of its kind in the Czech Republic. The above segment of the motorway – 48 km long – consists of 32 km of a new carriageway and 16 km of a refurbished carriageway.
The winning consortium of VINCI Constructions, VINCI Highways and Meridiam will be responsible for the whole project, including construction works, for a period of 28 years. Once the highway is operational, the government will repay the work in the form of availability payments during that time. After the elapse of the given time limit, the motorway segment will be transferred back under the administration of the government (provided that the construction has been handed over in an almost-new-condition). The above scheme benefits from the concessionaire's responsibility for the motorway segment operation and maintenance. D4 is, thus, becoming a reference project and its success will have a significant impact on the future of PPP projects in the Czech Republic.
The project will also become a milestone of modern technologies implementation. The BIM digital modelling method was applied during the construction period, 100% of the route's length will be covered by a camera system, and ten locations along the route will see the installation of weather monitoring stations. The flow of traffic shall be monitored by 27 traffic stream analysers. 28 variable traffic signs positioned along the entire path will provide better overview of the situation for the drivers during their travels. Fast-charging stations for electric cars will be installed at two rest areas.
JUTA a.s. participated in this pilot PPP project by supplying nearly 330,000 m2 of geoNETEX® A PP non-woven geotextile 300 g/m2 made from polypropylene fibres using needle punching technology. The product complied with the higher condition of the TP97 guideline for separation of the coarse aggregate from the compacted road subgrade. Other products from the company's portfolio – geomembranes for the bridge transition areas and non-woven geotextiles for structural protection – were also supplied.
