Modernisation of district roads important for cyclists – support programme launched

– Over a year ago, we announced the “Western Pomerania on the right track” initiative, which concerns provincial roads. However, in line with the announcement made last autumn, we decided that although it is not our responsibility, we would like to include district roads in this programme. They are in poor condition, many are of low standard, and there are 7,500 km of them in our province. We also know that the districts are unable to finance their maintenance and modernisation, which is why we want to create a systemic support tool so that we can drive comfortably on all our roads," says Marshal Olgierd Geblewicz.

Thanks to the decision of the Regional Council, PLN 60 million has been secured in the budget to support the modernisation of district roads. The rules for the call for applications, which will last until 20 February, are already in place. During this time, district administrators will be able to submit applications. The assumption is that the co-financing will be 50%, but the amount cannot exceed PLN 4 million. This will allow for the implementation of several investment projects.

Preference will be given to sections of district roads that connect with provincial roads. An assessment will be made as to whether a given road fits into the territorial and transport cohesion of the province. It will also be important whether a given section is a priority, taking into account its technical condition, and whether the road fits into the bicycle path system – this will be an additional assessment. Partnership will also be one of the key criteria – additional points will be awarded if the district joins the investment together with the municipalities.

“If the value on the part of the municipality and district exceeds 50%, the application will receive additional points. The aim is to create an economy of scale. We are aware that this is a pioneering project on a national scale; no one has implemented this type of support mechanism in the country before. But we were the first with cycle paths, with the replacement of rolling stock, we started the modernisation of provincial roads and we are going a step further,” adds Olgierd Geblewicz.

Applications submitted by 20 February will be evaluated by a team of experts. Based on their recommendations and after approval by the Provincial Executive Board, they will be forwarded to the session scheduled for 31 March. The grants are for one year, and the counties will have six weeks to announce tenders in order to settle all activities by the end of the year.

At the end of 2024, we announced a pilot programme called ‘Western Pomerania on the right track,’ which concerns provincial roads. We completed 43 tasks for PLN 224 million, which allowed us to renovate 170 kilometres of provincial roads. The year 2026 is also very ambitious – we have 32 tasks planned, covering 160 km for PLN 250 million. However, during meetings with commune heads, mayors and presidents, the topic of district roads was often raised. Listening to these voices, we decided to launch a pilot programme. It is a very ambitious programme. We estimate that it will benefit about 15 districts out of the 18 we have in the region, says Deputy Marshal Jakub Kowalik.

The programme is aimed exclusively at districts in the West Pomeranian Province, excluding cities with district rights. As part of the task, counties will have to rebuild the surface of the existing road, in particular by milling the old surface, laying a new wearing course, with possible reinforcement of the structure and modernisation of the edges. The modernisation of district roads promotes the economic and social development of the region, increasing the investment attractiveness of the districts. The improvement of road infrastructure also improves the quality of life of residents, reduces travel times and improves access to public services.

Call for applications until 20 February – rules and regulations.