VINCI Highways and its partners launch Via Salis, the first public-private partnership (PPP) motorway project in the Czech Republic
VINCI Highways and its partners have officially launched the first public-private partnership (PPP) motorway project in the Czech Republic – the completion of 32 km of the D4 motorway from Příbram to Písek and the modernization of another 16 kilometers of already operational sections. According to the contract, the construction will be completed in December 2024 and the consortium will operate the motorway for the next 25 years.
It will improve the connection between the rural region of South Bohemia and Prague, which will boost its economic and social development, as well as communication with other major economic regions, in particular in neighbouring Germany and Austria.
The project is distinguished by its focus on innovation and environmental sustainability. It will be carried out using a full BIM (Building Information Modelling) approach, a first in the country for a road construction project. From an environmental standpoint, the project includes the recycling and reuse of up to 1.9 million cubic metres of excavated materials, as well as a commitment to recycle up to 60% of the total volume of asphalt mix. New storm water retention ponds, wildlife crossings and a “zero pesticide commitment” will contribute to preserving biodiversity.
Via Salis, a mix of legacy and modernity
The Concession Company of the D4 highway will be named Via Salis – “salt trail” in Latin – is a tribute to the legacy of the stretch passing through the Příbram-Písek connection, one of the oldest trade routes in the history of Czech Republic, notably used for the salt trading. Also called Gold or Passauer, it was the southwestern connection of Prague with the Bohemian Forest, where the trail split to cross the Šumava forests and finish in Passau, an important medieval transport hub on the Danube.
The new brand will be displayed on Via Salis’ head office and construction site, with the endorsement of the Company owners: Meridiam, global investor in infrastructure projects, and VINCI Highways, a subsidiary of VINCI Concessions.
Newly appointed Executive Team places strong focus on operations and quality of service
Via Salis also announces the appointment of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christian Biegert, with more than 20 years of experience, including managing major highway concession projects at VINCI Highways and VINCI Concessions. Christian Biegert will be supported by a team with a strong focus on health and safety, environmental protection during the construction and quality of service of the operations and maintenance. Vojtech Janousek is appointed Chief Financial Officer. Vojtech worked for several multinational construction and infrastructure companies including VINCI. Thomas Wegner is appointed Chief Technical Officer. Thomas has a 30-year-experience in full range of construction activities related to medium and large infrastructure projects and landfill constructions, combined with wide-ranging background and has been working for VINCI Concessions since 2016.
Christian Biegert, CEO of Via Salis, declares: “our entire Via Salis team is ready and fully mobilized to deliver on the commitment we made to the Czech authorities. We are bringing to the Czech Republic, backed by VINCI Highways and Meridiam, our vast global expertise of delivering highway projects all through the expansion and renovation program, but also in the quality of the daily service we will soon start to provide”.
