TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AS A FACTOR OF THE EU COUNTRIES' ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Introduction. The driving force behind the economic development of the regions and the countries-members of the European Union is modern transport infrastructure. For this reason, to draw up the level with the countries of Western Europe, there is funding for the countries of the former socialist bloc in the construction and modernization of road routes. The purpose of the article is studying the condition of road infrastructure in the EU and, in particular, Poland as a factor in the economic development of countries and regions. Results. The article analyzes the current development of road infrastructure in Europe and, in particular, Poland and the implementing investments for this purpose. The Regulations of the General Director for National Roads and Motorways as well as legal acts concerning this issue were analyzed. The prospects for the development of Polish road engineering till 2030 were indicated. The types of roundabouts on motorways built in the EU countries are presented. Scientific articles on the situation of EU countries in the field of road infrastructure have proven to be important sources of information. However, the most important source when it comes to road infrastructure in Poland turned out to be materials of General Directorate for National Roads and Highways, in which all national road programs are described. Conclusions. The authors justify that each year Poland is getting closer to the Western countries of EU on the level of road infrastructure development. The main reason for the increase in the level of road infrastructure in Poland is the projects of the General Directorate for National Roads and Highways, as well as the National Road Construction Program for the years 2014-2023 (with a perspective till 2030) and the National Road Traffic Management System for TEN-T networks, which will have a significant impact on economic growth and the comfort of movement of the society. Keywords: road infrastructure, economic development, Trans-European Transport Network, sustainable transport development strategy.