D4 motorway, Czech motorway
The D4 is a controlled-access highway in the Czech Republic running southwest from Prague through Central Bohemian and South Bohemian regions. It comprises sections of new construction and upgraded existing roads designed for high-speed traffic, with clear signage, multiple exits at towns like Mníšek pod Brdy and Mirotice, and rest areas for drivers.
The first D4 section was built in the 1970s as a simple road connecting Jíloviště with the Řitka area. Additional segments were gradually added over decades, including a bypass around Dubenec that opened in 2017 to reduce village traffic. Since 2021, a private company has been constructing new sections planned for completion in December 2024.
The D4 follows the path of an old trade route called the Golden Trail, connecting Prague with southwestern regions. Today it shapes how people travel between the capital and nearby towns, influencing daily patterns for local residents and commuters.
The D4 requires a vignette to drive on most sections south of Jíloviště, which should be purchased at gas stations or online before your trip. The northernmost section near the Prague ring is toll-free, but all other modern segments require payment, and the road is well-marked with signs indicating where tolls apply.
The D4 operates through a public-private partnership where a private company holds a 28-year contract to operate and maintain the road after completion. This model was unusual for Czech highways and has allowed faster construction progress than previous motorway projects in the country.
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