STALEXPORT AUTOSTRADA MAŁOPOLSKA S.A. EXTENDING TOLL PLAZA IN BALICE

Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. is extending the toll plaza in Balice. Before the end of September there will be four additional toll collection points (two in each direction) built for PLN 8.5 million. The extension of the other toll plaza - in Mysłowice - was finished in December. Eventually, on both toll plazas on the concession stretch of the A4 there will be nine toll collection points in each direction.

The extension of the toll plaza in Balice exceeds the scope of investments included in the concession agreement and is funded from the concessionaire's own resources. The undertaking is another stage of a comprehensive programme for increasing the capacity of toll plazas on the A4 Katowice-Krakow that has been carried out by Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. for over two years.

Like in Mysłowice, two lanes with toll collection points will be added on the Balice toll plaza in the Katowice direction, whereas on the south side of the Balice plaza - in the Krakow direction - due to the vicinity of the airport, two additional toll collection points will be opened, one of which with a right-side booth. In total, the Balice toll plaza will be extended by about 12 metres.

- The booth where the service is rendered on the right side of the vehicle will be dedicated to cars carrying a passenger, to motorcyclists and to cars with the steering wheel on the right side. It is a solution that the users of the A4 Katowice-Krakow are already familiar with, because they have been using the "right gates" on the concession stretch for two years. Thanks to this solution, despite the limited space on the Balice toll plaza in the Krakow direction, it will be possible to open two additional booths – says Rafał Czechowski, the spokesperson for Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A.

Simultaneously with the extension of the toll plaza in Balice works will be carried out  to replace toll collection devices. This will make it possible to introduce new payment methods e.g. proximity cards, fleet and fuel cards or even methods enabling passage through gates without stopping. Replacement of the devices is the last stage of an extensive program of increasing toll plaza capacity whose aim is to shorten the waiting time before the gates. The investment is planned to be finished in the second half of 2014.

Because of the works carried out in Balice, the car park at the Balice toll plaza in the Katowice direction has already been closed. Travellers may use the Motorway Rest Area in Aleksandrowice (about 1 km behind the gates) with a filling station, a bar and toilets. During the extension works, the outermost toll collection points may be temporarily closed. All works will be carried out in such a way to be the least  troublesome for motorway users.

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About SAM SA

Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. manages the 60-kilometre long stretch of the A4 motorway between Katowice and Krakow. Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. has held the concession for its adaptation to the requirements of a toll motorway and operation since 1997. Based on the concession agreement SAM S.A. has been investing in motorway infrastructure to adapt it to the requirements of a toll motorway funds from tolls and “Project Finance” long-term financing scheme. Tolls are also the source of financing for current maintenance of the stretch. Unlike other concessions for managing toll motorways, the project run by Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. does not burden the state budget in any way. The company does not benefit from any State Treasury subsidies or guarantees.

The current situation is presented in a film at: http://youtu.be/svuITs3-3mg

For further information please contact:
Rafał Czechowski
Spokesperson for SAM S.A.
e-mail: SEND A MESSAGE
tel. 601063200