The construction of a key segment of Poland’s S19 expressway, a vital part of the Via Carpatia route, has come to an abrupt stop following the termination of a PLN 1 billion contract with Mostostal Warszawa. This section, stretching from Domaradz to Krosno in the Podkarpackie region, was initially expected to be completed by June 2026. However, by spring 2026, progress had stalled with only 5 percent of the work finished, prompting significant delays.
The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) had entered into the agreement with Mostostal Warszawa in November 2022. In April, Mostostal informed GDDKiA of its intention to withdraw from the project, attributing its decision to delays in the road authority’s contractual obligations and unresolved project challenges. The construction company highlighted unexpected ground conditions that escalated costs by approximately PLN 150 million and pointed out that alterations mandated by the environmental authority could further increase expenses by PLN 400 million.
In response, GDDKiA dismissed Mostostal’s claims, accusing the contractor of inadequate progress on the project. By May, the road authority officially terminated the contract, taking steps to secure the site and evaluate the work completed so far. Following the completion of this assessment, GDDKiA is preparing to issue a new tender for the Domaradz–Krosno section, with plans to initiate the process around late August or early September. The new contractor is anticipated to finish the construction within 26 to 28 months after signing the contract, maintaining the original budget constraints.
The delays on this section are not isolated, as other parts of the Via Carpatia in the Podkarpackie region are also experiencing setbacks. The completion of the Babice–Jawornik section has been rescheduled for October 2027, and the Rzeszów Południe–Babice segment, which includes a tunnel over 2.2 kilometers long, is now expected to be finished by January 2028.
These setbacks are adding pressure to the broader development of Via Carpatia, a significant transport corridor designed to enhance connectivity between southeastern Poland and the broader European road network. As construction delays persist, the need to address and resolve these issues becomes increasingly urgent to meet the corridor’s strategic goals.