A consortium of Colas Polska and Antex II is close to signing a contract for the repair of a 3-kilometer stretch of the A1 highway near Piekary Śląskie. This is the first of 13 independent tasks that will eliminate the notorious 'waves of the Danube’ that have plagued drivers for years. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) promises full load-bearing capacity and evenness of the road surface, ensuring durability for at least 30 years.
The damaged section, opened to traffic in 2012, has been a source of frustration for motorists due to widespread undulations caused by swelling of materials used in construction. The defects appeared while the road was still under warranty, and despite constant reports to the contractor, the condition worsened over time. Eventually, speed limits of 80 to 110 km/h were imposed, but it was clear that a complete repair was inevitable.
– (You can’t look at this) – said Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak during the European Economic Congress, referring to the state of the 16-kilometer segment between Pyrzowice and Piekary Śląskie.
Long-awaited start of repairs
The tender for a scientific expertise, repair program and project documentation was launched in August 2022. Initially, the start of construction work was planned for early 2025, but the actual tender for the first stage was only announced in October 2025. Eight contractors submitted bids, all within the budget set by GDDKiA. The winning offer from Colas Polska and Antex II amounted to PLN 36.37 million gross.
If no appeals are filed by June 22, the contract will be signed at the turn of the second and third quarters of 2026. The contractor will have 11 months from the signing date (excluding the winter period from December 16 to March 15) to complete the works. Traffic will be maintained during construction.
Technology for long-term durability
The repair involves demolishing the existing pavement structure along with the frost protection layer and the upper part of the road embankment. The new surface will be built using bituminous technology, including an anti-skid layer of uniform sand, a sealing geomembrane, and a geomat made of aggregate stabilized with geogrid. This is designed to prevent rainwater and meltwater from penetrating the road body.
Drainage elements will be replaced, including gutters and gullies, and acoustic screens and two engineering structures – a highway viaduct and an overpass with access roads – will also be renovated. A road culvert will be repaired as well.
The work is part of a broader program to restore full technical efficiency to the damaged stretch, divided into 13 independent tasks. The order of implementation depends on the degree of damage, technical possibilities, and logistics, as well as the ability to introduce optimal traffic management and secure funding.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Materiały prasowe / GDDKiA / Paweł Klarecki
