Poland and the Czech Republic are working on a project for the new S46 high-speed highway, which is intended to improve connections with Ukraine and serve as an alternative to the congested A4 highway. The road is expected to play a significant role in the region’s logistics, economy, and security. Learn more about the route of the new highway, the potential construction timeline, and the project’s significance for Ukraine and the EU
Get your electronic vignette for traveling in Europe online
Poland and the Czech Republic plan to implement a large-scale infrastructure project—the new S46 high-speed highway, which is intended to connect Central Europe with Ukraine. The new transport corridor is designed to reduce traffic on existing roads, improve logistics between countries, and speed up the transport of goods and passengers. In addition to its economic role, the project is also viewed as a key element of transport security and military mobility in the region.
What will the route of the S46 highway be?
According to the preliminary concept, the new S46 expressway, also known as Szlak Staropolski (“Old Polish Route”), will run from the Czech border through several major Polish cities toward the Ukrainian border. The project is intended to create a new transport corridor between Central and Eastern Europe.
The route is planned to pass through:
– Opole;
– Częstochowa;
– Kielce;
– Lublin;
– Włodawa near the border with Ukraine.
The highway’s name is linked to a historic trade route that once connected the Czech Republic and Poland with eastern territories. That is why the project is positioned not only as a modern highway but also as the restoration of an important transit route for the region.
The new S46 is also intended to serve as an alternative to the A4 highway, which is considered one of Poland’s busiest roads. The situation remains particularly challenging in the regions of Silesia, Kraków, and Katowice, where drivers regularly encounter traffic jams and roadwork. Thanks to the new route, travel times between southwestern Poland, the Czech Republic, and eastern destinations could be significantly reduced.
Don’t want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Why is the S46 project important for Ukraine and Europe?
In Poland, officials emphasize that the new highway will have not only economic but also strategic significance. The road is expected to improve logistics between Central and Eastern European countries and create an additional route for international transport.
Special attention is being paid to the security aspect. Local officials in Poland note that the S46 will help diversify routes for transporting equipment, humanitarian cargo, and military logistics. Częstochowa City Council Chairman Marcin Bernat stated that the road’s construction could significantly expand opportunities for troop movements and supply operations.
According to Czech and Polish media reports, if the Polish government officially supports the project, construction of the highway could take about eight years. The route was also previously considered part of a broader European transport corridor that would connect Ukraine, Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, and even the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela.
For Ukraine, the creation of such a route could mean faster road connections with the EU, the development of international trade, and improved access to European transport infrastructure.
When planning a trip to Europe by car, it is important to take care of paying for toll roads in advance. A vignette allows you to legally drive on the highways of many European countries without fines and unnecessary stops. You can issue a vignette quickly and online on Visit Ukraine – it is convenient, transparent and suitable for both short trips and long journeys.
We remind you! With the arrival of spring, Ukrainians are increasingly planning trips abroad in their own cars, but this also brings a greater risk of encountering fraudsters. Find out how scams involving fake ‘Green Cards’ work, what risks this poses to drivers, and how to check the authenticity of an insurance policy before your trip.
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card – compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service – professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch – buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Frequantly
asked questions
When is the S46 highway scheduled to be built?
The project is currently in the discussion and approval phase. Polish media report that, following official government approval, construction could take approximately eight years.
Which cities will the new S46 highway pass through?
The preliminary route of the highway includes Opole, Częstochowa, Kielce, Lublin, and Włodawa near the border with Ukraine.
Why is the S46 highway important for Ukraine?
The new road could improve Ukraine’s transport links with the European Union, simplify international logistics, and create an additional route for freight transport.
Will the S46 serve as an alternative to the A4 highway?
Yes. One of the project’s main goals is to reduce traffic on the A4 highway, where congestion and roadwork restrictions are common.
What significance will the S46 have for Europe?
The project is viewed as part of a future transport corridor between Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to its economic significance, the road can also be used for humanitarian and military logistics.