Budimex, the largest Polish general construction contractor, is successfully continuing the implementation of a hydrotechnical project in the Czech Republic – the construction of a dry flood control reservoir in Kutřín, in the Chrudim region. The project, which aims to protect areas in the Novohrádka river basin from flooding, will end in 2027.
Budimex has completed the construction of a temporary bridge over the Krounka River, which allows the works to be carried out without the need to close the regional road. This solution shortens the detour by more than 35 km and ensures uninterrupted communication for local residents, public transport and truck traffic.
Currently, Budimex is carrying out works on the construction of a dam, the construction of bottom drains, an emergency overflow and the revitalisation of a 2-kilometre section of the Martinický stream. This year, it is also planned to redirect the Krounka River to the newly created migration corridor in the dam structure and to make a sealing barrier under the dam foundation.
“The reservoir in Kutřín is one of the most important flood protection projects currently being implemented in the Czech Republic. When completed, it will be the largest facility of this type in the country since the 1970s. – says Adam Barszczyński, Director of the Budimex Branch in the Czech Republic.
Innovative dam design
The project provides for the construction of a concrete gravity dam with a crown length of 133.6 m and a maximum height of 17.8 m. The water of the Krounka River was routed through a special channel in the dam structure, with a migration passage for animals preserved. The dam has a composite structure – the face is made of reinforced concrete, and the core is made of rolled concrete (RCC). The surface of the visible structural elements has been designed in a way that imitates natural rocks, thanks to the use of special forms for imprinting the texture.
The target capacity of the reservoir will be 3.6 million m³, and its area when fully filled will reach 67.5 hectares – an area equivalent to about a hundred football pitches. The reservoir is to protect against floods on a scale that occurs once every hundred years.
Budimex strengthens its position on the Czech market
Budimex started the implementation of this investment in 2024, after the previous contract was terminated due to rising material costs and the need for technical changes. The contract value exceeds CZK 500 million. The project is commissioned by Povodí Labe.
” Our experience in the implementation of large water investments in Poland, such as the Racibórz Dolny reservoir or the expansion of the Żelazny Most reservoir, is crucial for projects such as Kutřín ,” adds Barszczyński.
The construction of the dry retention reservoir in Kutřín is one of two major orders from Budimex on the Czech market. The company is also constructing a section of the D35 motorway between Džbánov and Litomyšl. The company is intensively developing its operations abroad and is interested in participating in tenders for road, hydrotechnical and railway projects in the Czech Republic.
