Expressway S17 Warsaw-bound carriageway closed after hazardous surface deformation near Lublin; repair work underway

Deformation prompts speed cuts and accident

On Saturday 27 June, drivers reported a severe unevenness on the S17 Warsaw-bound lane near Żerdź (Lublin Voivodeship). Road authorities reduced the speed limit from 120 km/h to 60 km/h. On Sunday 28 June, a 22-year-old driving a Fiat failed to adjust speed and hit the rear of an Audi driven by a 63-year-old Ukrainian man; the impact pushed that Audi into a second Audi driven by a 30-year-old woman. Three people were hospitalised.

During on-site activities, it turned out that due to the condition of the road surface the road was not fit for use.

Lane closed and detour activated

After the crash, police and GDDKiA inspectors confirmed a hazardous transverse deformation (described as a bump or step) that threatened traffic safety. The Warsaw-bound carriageway between Żyrzyn and Skrudki interchanges was shut to all vehicles. Traffic was redirected via provincial roads 824 and 839 and the old national road 17. Variable message signs warn drivers of the obstruction.

Repair operation begins

On Monday 29 June, the road contractor started stripping the damaged surface to expose the underlying structure and determine the exact cause. The deformation appeared at the joint between an asphalt bridge section and a concrete-paved road. The affected segment is covered by the contractor’s warranty.

Our priority is to restore traffic on the S17 as quickly as possible and ensure continuity of travel on the expressway. We expect this will be possible by the end of this week.

Heat wave suspected but not confirmed

Poland has been enduring extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many areas. GDDKiA spokesman Minkiewicz said the heat likely contributed but was not the sole cause. The concrete pavement on this stretch dates from the expressway’s construction and is considered less prone to heat damage than older asphalt roads.

Traffic shift to ease detour burden

On Monday afternoon, GDDKiA introduced a new traffic arrangement: Warsaw-bound vehicles will cross over to the opposite carriageway (Lublin direction) between the affected interchanges, relieving congestion on local roads. Drivers heading toward Lublin continue without disruption.