For drivers of vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, these are the last summer holidays when they have to pay for the A4 motorway between Mysłowice and Krakow. The 30-year concession held by Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska expires at midnight on 15/16 March 2027, ending one of Poland’s longest motorway concession projects.
Preparations for the handover are already underway. The state will take over 61 kilometres of the A4, lifting tolls for light vehicles while heavy trucks will continue to pay via the e-Toll system. Existing toll plazas in Balice and Mysłowice will be dismantled, with four lanes in each direction opened for free flow and the remaining lanes closed.
State prepares for handover amid opposition concerns
During a session of the parliamentary Infrastructure Committee, opposition MPs questioned whether the state knows what it is taking over. Former Infrastructure Minister Andrzej Adamczyk warned about potential hidden problems.
– We need to check the investment obligations from the 1996 building permit, all must be completed – powiedział Andrzej Adamczyk. – Particularly the IT systems, their source codes and copyrights. Without them, you may not be able to manage the motorway – dodał.
Daniel Kosiński, director general of GDDKiA, assured the committee that the agency has transfer guarantees and additional warranties on ongoing repairs. He said inspections are being carried out jointly with Stalexport and an independent expert to identify any necessary works before the handover.
– We are secured for maintenance, lease, energy and water contracts. As for the traffic management system, we are introducing our own. We have identified one critical element related to weather management systems – wyjaśnił Daniel Kosiński.
Future plans: third lane and removal of toll booths
Once the motorway is under state control, GDDKiA plans to add a third lane to the entire section. The tender for construction is expected around 2030, with completion planned between 2030 and 2033.
Deputy Infrastructure Minister Stanisław Bukowiec noted that a steering committee and a special team have been set up to oversee the transfer. Working groups in GDDKiA’s Krakow and Katowice branches are assessing the technical condition of the motorway. A contract for year-round maintenance in Małopolskie Voivodeship has been signed, while a similar process is ongoing in Śląskie Voivodeship.
– GDDKiA has taken actions to ensure continuity of operation, maintain safety standards, and smoothly transfer responsibilities after the end of one of the longest concession projects in Polish road infrastructure – powiedział Stanisław Bukowiec.
A tender to lease the service areas Kępnica, Zastawie, Morawica and Aleksandrowice for 20 years was announced in March, with bids due by 20 July 2026. The new operator will take over after the official handover.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. GDDKiA / Paweł Klarecki
