Extension of the Road Network as the Determinant of Development of the Regions on the Example of Cracow (Poland)

Abstract

The construction and development of the road network determines the economic level of the region and the country. The aim of the publication is to show the relationship between extension of the road network and the development of the warehouse and industrial areas located in the city and the Krakow region. The methodology of research works consisted in the use of data contained in local spatial information systems for the analysis of land development. The research was carried out at the Rybitwy area. It is an area located in the south - eastern part of Krakow. This area is considered to be the logistic center of Krakow and has been analyzed in the aspect of the impact of the construction of the eastern bypass of the city, on the development of facilities with a warehouse and industrial function. The eastern bypass of Krakow is located along the S7 expressway connecting southern Poland (Zakopane) with its northern end (Gdansk). The conducted research proved that over the period of the investment (2010-2018), more than 19,000 m2 of warehouse and production space were built in the area of Rybitwy. The increase in interest in the analyzed area is also confirmed by a significant increase in the degree of lease in this area. Before the construction of the bypass, the vacancy rate was equal 30% of the area intended for rent, while on the date of analysis (2018) already only 10%. This shows the development of the studied area and its attractiveness for entrepreneurs. In addition, the development of the road infrastructure in the form of the eastern bypass of the city of Krakow (along the S7 route) has contributed to the creation of a special economic zone in the area of the Wieliczka commune. This commune is adjacent to Krakow. The Wieliczka Economic Activity Zone, due to its location in the vicinity of the Krakow agglomeration and direct access to the S7 expressway, encourages entrepreneurs to locate their businesses in this area. At the date of the analysis over 30, 000 m2 of warehouse and production space were built there. Therefore, the development of the road infrastructure is an important factor determining the location of industrial or warehouse facilities, which contributes to the economic development of the region, as well as to the increase of the competitiveness of the Polish economy.