The most congested road in Poland will no longer be congested. New investments will make a difference.
The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) will reconstruct over 20 km of local roads along the Zakopianka highway between Kraków and Myślenice, but the project won't be finalized until the next decade. "That's definitely too distant a prospect. Residents need solutions here and now," says Myślenice Mayor Jarosław Szlachetka.
The publication of variants for the new, approximately 30-kilometer section of the S7 expressway has been delayed; according to current information, it will take place in the fourth quarter of this year. The project is scheduled for completion by July 2030, so commissioning is an even longer prospect.
Construction of a 350-meter road in the center of Zakopane is scheduled for completion in December 2025, significantly reducing traffic and making it easier to enter and exit the city. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) also has plans to alleviate traffic congestion in the southern part of the Zakopianka road, including the construction of a Nowy Targ bypass and the modernization of the DK47 Nowy Targ-Zakopane route.
A journey along the 100-plus-kilometer stretch of national roads, some of which are expressways and mostly dual carriageways in each direction, should take 1-1.5 hours, but that's theoretical. The Zakopane route should take at least twice as long. The traffic congestion on the Krakow-Zakopane route is legendary, and despite investments already made to ease traffic, the situation has only marginally improved.
Getting to Zakopane from Krakow takes much longer than it should, considering the distance and the nature of the roads
The closer to Zakopane, the narrower it becomes, and the less room for expansion. The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) responsible for national roads outside the boundaries of cities with district rights invests wherever possible. More projects are being undertaken in the northern section, closer to Krakow.
The next stages of the modernization of Zakopianka between Krakow and Myślenice are underway.
"For over a decade, we have been implementing successive stages of the Zakopianka modernization program between Kraków and Myślenice. The goal is to increase the capacity of this route and improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians," notes Kacper Michna from the Kraków branch of the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA).
In 2024, the road junction in Gaj and footbridges in Mogilany and Głogoczów were opened. Two more junctions are under construction—in Krzyszkowice and in Myślenice (at the intersection with Sobieskiego Street), and the road system in Libertów is being expanded.
In addition, in early May of this year, we submitted an application to the Małopolska Voivode for a construction permit for the Jawornik interchange, and we are preparing a project for major changes to the Zakopianka route in Głogoczów. Thanks to this , in just a few years, drivers will be able to use eight grade-separated intersections on the DK7 between Kraków and Myślenice.
- informs Kacper Michna.
He adds that five of them are part of the current GDDKiA modernization program for the Zakopianka road, one (the overpass in Myślenice) was put into operation in 2009, and two more (in Mogilany and Głogoczów) were built in the last century.
They will undertake the expansion of local roads, which will relieve the traffic in Zakopianka
Furthermore, in mid-September of this year, the General Directorate announced that the Ministry of Infrastructure had approved an Investment Program for the construction of additional and widening of existing local roads along the DK7 between Kraków and Myślenice. While this isn't about investments on the Zakopane road itself, its effects will have a significant impact on the operation of the main route in the region.
After developing a comprehensive project and obtaining the appropriate permits, the road administrator will build two local roads running parallel to Zakopianka along both sides, which will take over some of the traffic between towns located along DK7.
This solution will improve the operation of the Zakopianka expressway by diverting some traffic to new roads running along the DK7 expressway. This will partially separate local traffic from transit and tourist traffic. At the same time, it will allow residents of nearby towns to travel short distances without having to enter the Zakopianka expressway.
- explained Maciej Ostrowski, director of the Krakow branch of GDDKiA.
We reported here on the details of the planned solutions, including the expansion and widening of over 21 km of local roads and the construction of 4.5 km of completely new roads and almost 24 km of sidewalks.
Jarosław Szlachetko: the prospect of construction only in 2031-2032 is definitely too distant
Unfortunately, the investor expects the completion of these works only in 2031-2032.
The plans presented by the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) to expand local roads along the Zakopianka expressway are a step in the right direction, one I've been pushing for for years. However, the prospect of construction only in 2031-2032 is far too distant. The residents of Myślenice and the entire region need safe transportation solutions here and now.
- notes Jarosław Szlachetka, mayor of the city and commune of Myślenice.
He assures that he will consistently appeal for the acceleration of this project and for real actions that will quickly relieve the burden on the Zakopane area and improve the safety of the local community.
Mayor Jarosław Szlachetka assures that he will consistently appeal for the acceleration of this project and for real actions that will quickly relieve the burden on the Zakopane area and improve the safety of the local community.
In turn, the mayor of the Mogilany commune, Jerzy Przeworski, points out that due to the expansion and modernization of the Zakopianka road, residents are exposed to many difficulties resulting from the ongoing work and the implementation of this investment.
Jerzy Przeworski: expanding existing routes will definitely improve local transport
- Just look at the statistics of our volunteer fire brigades' trips to have no doubt that there are a lot of these accidents, collisions and various road incidents in our area, especially on the section from Mogilany to Libertów - comments the mayor.
He is pleased with the decision to build and expand local roads, which residents have been requesting for years.
These will be 6-meter-wide roads with sidewalks, which will significantly improve safety, and the widening of further existing routes will definitely improve local communication.
- says Jerzy Przeworski.
He points out that currently the main alternative to Zakopianka is the district road leading to Libertów.
"In the event of an accident on the main road, it essentially takes over all traffic. I'm glad this is finally changing. We look forward to achieving the goals we've set for ourselves and others," concludes the mayor of Mogilany.
In the event of an accident on the main road, it essentially takes over all traffic. I'm glad this is finally changing. We look forward to achieving the goals we set for ourselves and others," says Jerzy Przeworski.
The already heavy traffic on Zakopianka will continue to grow. And the Beskidzka Integration Road will increase it even further.
By connecting the network of local roads eliminated on the DK7, there will be as many as 26 exits and 4 left-hand turns (Spadzista Street in Gaj, a U-turn near the Włosań stop in Mogilany, a U-turn near the Orlen gas station in Mogilany, and Tarnówka Street in Myślenice). The manager wants to ensure that exiting and exiting the Zakopianka expressway will only be possible through interchanges that are the safest solutions.
"Traffic on Zakopianka is constantly growing; for example, in Libertów, we see an average of almost 58,000 cars each day. The further south you go from Krakow, the less traffic there is, but it's still very heavy – from almost 40,000 near Jawornik to over 52,000 in Mogilany," says Kacper Michna from the Krakow district office.
He also points out that an additional, important factor is the Beskidzka Integration Road, i.e. the new S52 expressway, which will connect Bielsko-Biała with Głogoczów and replace the current DK 52.
"This route will also increase the number of cars on the Zakopianka expressway. To prepare for this situation, we are proposing a solution that will improve local traffic conditions and to some extent relieve the DK7," summarizes a representative of the Małopolska GDDKiA, adding that the investment is being prepared independently of the project for the new Zakopianka expressway, the S7 Kraków-Myślenice expressway.
Over 30 km of brand new S7. Krakow authorities oppose routing it through southern housing estates.
The aforementioned project to build the new S7 expressway is also crucial for travelers to and from Zakopane. However, its completion will take even longer, as the deadline for preparing the documentation itself has not been set for July 2030.
The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) is currently analyzing the route options for the new section of the S7, which is expected to be 30-35 km long and connect to the A4 motorway. A Technical, Economic, and Environmental Study (STEŚ) is currently being developed for the agency. The study will propose eight variants. Of these, three or four will be selected and included in the application for an environmental decision.
The matter is problematic. Krakow authorities are appealing against running the route through the city's southern neighborhoods.
"Building roads side by side wouldn't solve anything, apart from causing problems and mess. It seems that's enough. We're reaching the limits of residents' patience, and I'd rather not push that limit," commented Kraków Deputy Mayor Stanisław Kracik at a city council session.
Mileage variants will be published only at the end of the year
Therefore, a concept aimed at bypassing the capital of Małopolska by a wide margin, past Niepołomice, is being considered, as well as several others. However, the publication of the preliminary variants, which are to be subject to consultation, has been delayed.
"We have asked the design office to submit additional documents and analyses regarding this investment. We are also continuing discussions with local government representatives about the role that the S7 and its accompanying infrastructure could play in specific municipalities," explains Anna Bałdyga of the Krakow General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA), in a statement from early July of this year, quoted by "Gazeta Krakowska."
According to the latest reports, the publication is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025. The construction of the new Zakopianka may cover the following municipalities: Kraków, Wieliczka, Mogilany, Świątniki Górne, Siepraw, Dobczyce, Myślenice, Skawina, Liszki, Biskupice, Gdów.
Shorter and faster from the center of Zakopane. Important 350 meters of new road
However, this is all the "upper" part of the Zakopianka. The question is, what's the plan for the southern part? Leaving Zakopane on a single-lane national road during rush hour or, for example, at the end of the weekend, costs drivers a lot of time and stress.
The investment currently underway by the Zakopane local government should help. It involves building a new road from the Klimka Bachleda roundabout in Spyrkówka towards the Zakopane Transport Centre. Although it's only 350 meters long, Mayor Łukasz Filipowicz believes the road is strategic for the transport system in the lower part of Zakopane and the exit from the city.
"This will relieve traffic congestion in the very center of Zakopane, along Kasprowicza and Chramcówki Streets. Long-distance buses will no longer have to reach the station via streets leading through the city center, but will instead be routed via a new, more convenient route. This solution will significantly improve traffic flow, reduce traffic congestion in Zakopane's central areas, and increase the safety of pedestrians and drivers," argues the mayor, as quoted by "Gazeta Krakowska."
The construction, costing over PLN 6.1 million, is scheduled for completion in December this year.
Where will the Nowy Targ bypass be built? "It will have a huge impact on traffic in the Podhale region."
The General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) is preparing two important investments in the south. First, the construction of a 4.5-kilometer bypass around Nowy Targ (from the Nowy Targ Południe junction to DK49).
While this route isn't part of the Zakopianka road itself, it will have a significant impact on traffic in the Podhale region. The new bypass will take traffic from Krościenko, the Pieniny Mountains, and Białka Tatrzańska, bringing it directly onto the new Zakopianka road, completed last year. This will reduce traffic congestion in the city, particularly on Tysiąclecia Avenue.
- says Kacper Michna.
In mid-2023, the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) submitted an application for an environmental decision, which is still being processed. The authority responsible for issuing the decision is the Mayor of Nowy Targ Commune. Subsequently, the Mayor of Nowy Targ recused himself from the proceedings due to the presence of a private plot of land in the investment area.
As is often the case when determining the route, the matter is controversial. Residents of the southeastern areas of Nowy Targ are unwilling to allow the road to run near the Szaflarska Glade housing estate and the activity zone and land along the Biały Dunajec River, fearing the loss of popular recreational areas. They had a different idea for a bypass, but the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways (GDDKiA) opposed it two years ago, arguing that it would be too expensive and would involve too much interference with Natura 2000 sites.
Completion of construction - after determining the exact route of the bypass - is several years away.
Modernization between Nowy Targ and Zakopane. A left-turn lane will be added.
The second important investment in the plans of the general directorate is the modernization of 19 km of DK47 between Nowy Targ and Zakopane .
"It focuses on improving safety and traffic flow. We will modernize intersections, add lanes for safe left turns where possible, and build new sidewalks," says Kacper Michna.
An application for an environmental decision was submitted this year for the 11.8 km Szaflary-Zakopane section, while the 6.7 km Nowy Targ-Szaflary section is scheduled for submission in the coming months. Therefore, finalization will take several years.
