UK-based engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald has secured a contract from the Road and Motorway Directorate of the Czech Republic to design new sections of the R35 and R55 expressways.

The R35 expressway links the Bohemia and Moravia regions and runs parallel to the D1 motorway, which is the longest in Czech Republic.

Mott MacDonald project director Jan Semerad said: "Our duties will include preparing the planning permit documentation for everything from preliminary designs for highways, bridges, retaining walls and drainage, to noise and dispersion studies and environment impact assessments."

"These projects continue our substantial involvement in modernising the Czech Republic’s motorway network."

"These projects continue our substantial involvement in modernising the Czech Republic’s motorway network, as Mott MacDonald is also leading a joint venture that was recently appointed to modernise section 10 of the D1 motorway."

Under the deal, Mott MacDonald will design a new 5.8km section of the expressway, including three bridges, two interchanges, two roundabouts, four overpasses and one railway viaduct, while one watercourse will also be relocated as part of the project.

Scope of work will also include designing 5.3km of new road for the R55 expressway, which connects the city of Olomouc with the town of Breclav.

Work under the project will include seven bridges, two overpasses, a railway bridge, 15 retaining walls and six noise barriers, as well as the relocation of a bus stop.

The design work by Mott MacDonald is scheduled to be completed by the end of the first quarter of next year.