Road modernization program for private investors, based on UK model

Private companies may soon manage road modernization and repairs, as well has financing these investments themselves. After signing 15-year contracts, the companies would then receive annual financial hand-outs from the government. According to the director of the Polish Public Roads Authority (GDDP) Aleksander Bacciarelli, the concept, hailing from Great Britain, will pertain to investments valued at approximately zl. 100 to 200 million. The GDDP, together with British consulting firm Halcrow, is preparing a modernization program and a standardized set of requirements for the modernization and up-keep of public roads. Although definite decisions about the financing of the project are left for the new government to fine tune, the participation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has been confirmed. EBRD has allocated euro 60 million to companies which will take part in road modernization within the pilot project. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 25) M.T.K.