Nauka Przyroda Technologie

Intensification of works connected with the construction of road infrastructure has undoubtedly significant influence on Polish landscapes. Thousands of kilometers of the scheduled roads and motorways that are to be built till 2012 will be of great importance for the areas they will cross (e.g. agricultural areas, forests, surroundings of buildings and protected areas). It is necessary to find a compromise between collision-free roads (motorways, national roads) and efficient protection and development of the landscape. The projects concerning green areas situated at the sections of roads and motorways that have already been completed do not completely fulfill the above functions. Undoubtedly, a rich network of roads and motorways is the feature that stimulates economic development, and also development of tourism and recreation (easier communication). However, such big investments bring negative results for environment. They are for example converting significant green areas into road sections, breaking the natural ecological corridors, disturbing water relations due to dewatering of the road bed, deforestation, emission of traffic pollutants or changes in landscapes etc.