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Polish Highway Construction To Begin Again
Authorities in Poland today confirmed the re-commencing of work on a controversial new highway in the north-east of the country. Located in Poland's Rospuda Valley, the projected highway, 40 kilometres long, has attracted much criticism due to its impact on the local environment. Specifically, the main point of contention is the part of it where a bridge will transit over the valley itself. The build was previously put on hiatus 4 months ago, in order not to disrupt the national bird-nesting season.
Earlier in 2007, Greenpeace activists camped out at the development's site. Their raison d'etre in this instance was that the bridge element would impact negatively on the area's delicate ecosystem. Among the inhabitants of Rospuda Valley are aquatic warblers; birds not found en masse in any other part of the world. Other animals in situ include lynx and wolves, as well as greater spotted eagles.
In addition to the action of these campaigners, criticism has also emanated from Brussels. Here, the European Commission has referred the situation to the European Court of Justice, claiming that Warsaw - the capital of Poland - is in contravention of European Union environmental rules. In response, authorities within Poland have highlighted how the bridge, which will span 500 metres, is the best option possible. They have drawn attention to the project's overall necessity, in particular in relation to the needs of those living in Augostow - a town close to the development.
This last statement refers to the Rospuda Valley's geographical proximity to the Lithuanian border. In order to cross from Poland to Lithuania, a current total of at least 4,500 trucks currently pass directly through Augostow, as part of their journey along Route Eight - which has one lane only. The projected bypass is but one component of a wider corridor, entitled the "Via Baltica". This, when complete, will provide a single passage between Warsaw and Helsinki, offering huge benefit to east/west European trade.