VINCI has officially opened the new D4 motorway, located 40 kilometers southwest of Prague, marking a significant milestone as the first public-private partnership (PPP) for a motorway project in the Czech Republic. The inauguration ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Transport Minister Martin Kupka, highlighted the road’s role in enhancing connectivity between South Bohemia and major trade routes to Germany and Austria.
The D4 project showcases the collaboration across VINCI’s subsidiaries in the design, construction, and long-term management of mobility infrastructure. Completed by VINCI Construction in under four years, the project delivered 32 kilometers of new motorway alongside the refurbishment of 16 kilometers of existing road. At peak construction, the project created employment for 1,600 workers.
VINCI Highways, a subsidiary of VINCI Concessions, will oversee the motorway’s operation and maintenance for the next 24 years, ensuring seamless service and safety for road users.
Sustainability was central to the project, with innovative practices reflecting VINCI’s environmental ambitions. These included reusing excavated materials, recycling asphalt mix, and installing solar arrays to power the operational center. Additionally, 20 wildlife crossings and 40 hectares of land planted with native species emphasize the project’s commitment to biodiversity and ecological preservation.
During the operation phase, advanced safety features, such as full-length video surveillance, will enhance monitoring and contribute to service quality on the D4 motorway.
The project was made possible through a 28-year partnership contract signed in February 2021 between the Czech Ministry of Transport and Via Salis—a concession company comprising VINCI Highways (lead partner), VINCI Concessions, and Meridiam. With an investment of approximately €530 million, the D4 motorway sets a benchmark for future PPP projects in the Czech Republic.
