Dálnice

Dálnice is the Czech term for motorways, a category of high-capacity, controlled-access roads that form the backbone of the country’s road network. They are designed for fast, long-distance travel and connect major cities and regions, facilitating efficient freight movement and commuting. Dálnice feature grade-separated interchanges, no at-grade intersections, and at least two driving lanes in each direction with a central separation.

Signage and numbering follow standardized rules. Motorways use blue traffic signs with white lettering, and routes are designated with the prefix D (for example, D1, D5). Many Czech motorways are also part of the European E-road network, linking national routes with international corridors.

The network includes several major corridors. D1 links Prague with Brno and continues toward Ostrava, forming the busiest arterial in the country. D5 connects Prague with Plzeň and further via the border to Germany. The Prague ring road, designated D0, encircles the capital to facilitate bypass traffic. Motorways are distributed across the country to improve regional accessibility and alleviate congestion on smaller roads.

Typical features of dálnice include rest and service areas, emergency lanes, and signage that supports high-speed travel. The allowed speed on motorways is generally 130 km/h, subject to weather, road works, and specific restrictions. The construction and maintenance of dálnice are carried out by the national road administrations, with ongoing expansions and upgrades to extend capacity and improve safety. Tolling arrangements vary by section and vehicle category, reflecting modern European practices for highway financing.

Dálnice play a central role in regional and national development by reducing travel times, supporting freight and tourism, and integrating the Czech road network with broader European transport corridors.