The right-hand traffic lane towards Nový Jičín has been operational since last year, and currently asphalt paving, concrete works, and bridge construction are taking place in the left-hand lane — informed Jan Šváb, the project manager of the Czech Road and Motorway Directorate for the D48 project. However, he acknowledged that restoration works due to landslides around Starý Jičín have caused minor issues. "But, we will still put the section into full operation by the end of the year," he promised. According to the plans, ŘSD will open the Palačov connection in the summer of 2026. This is located on the border of the Zlínský and Novakslezský regions, and includes the construction of road I/35 from Palačov to Lešná near Vsetín, as well as the intersection of this road with the D48 motorway. The Central Bohemian D3 motorway will start construction in three years, as a project that has been planned for a quarter of a century. "We started the constructions a year ago, and we are keeping to the schedule and budget. Most recently, we demolished the bridge leading over the motorway from Palačov and are building a new one," stated Karel Chudárek, director of the ŘSD's Zlín branch. According to Chudárek, the Palačovská connection serves two significances. "It is extremely important for the entire Valachia region because it connects Valašské Meziříčí, Rožnovsko, Vsetínsko, and links them to the D48 and partially to the D1 motorway."
This will significantly speed up transportation,” he added. Additionally, its other important role is to reduce through traffic on the current I/35 road, which passes through Hranice and the spa town of Teplice nad Bečvou. “Teplice can also breathe a sigh of relief as we help preserve the local resources that might be damaged and irretrievably lost due to the current traffic and constant vibrations,” said Chudárek, adding that the construction of the approximately nine-kilometer section will consume about 2.2 billion Czech crowns. Šváb, the construction manager, confirmed that after the completion of the D48 road and the stretch between Šenov u Nového Jičína and Bělotín, including the Palačovská connection, only one section in the Nový Jičín area will remain for modernization on the entire future D48 motorway, with another 3.8 kilometers between Rybí and Šenov u Nového Jičína. ŘSD plans to start construction here within two years, finishing in 2029. The motorway construction is not the only intense work underway at the border of the three Moravian regions. In mid-September, the ŘSD began building the motorway and road maintenance center in Poruba, near Hustopeče nad Bečvou, in the Přerovsko area. “This will be the 25th motorway maintenance center, ensuring the connection of the Valašský junction and the Valašsko motorway network, including the Palačovská connection, certain sections of the D48, and first-class main roads,” said Jan Rýdl, ŘSD spokesperson, noting that this center, similar to the Palačovská connection, will also be ready by the summer of 2026. According to Chudárek, the building will include a highway police center.
