D3 Motorway in Central Bohemia Progresses: Geotechnical Investigations for Tunnel Begin

The planned motorway link from Prague to the Austrian border is continuing to take shape: in Central Bohemia, preparatory work has begun for a key section of the D3.

Preparations for a central section of the future D3 motorway in Central Bohemia are gaining momentum: the Czech Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD) has started geotechnical investigations for the planned Prostřední Vrch tunnel.

The first phase of the works is expected to last around three months. This will be followed by the excavation of an exploratory adit, which is likely to take around ten months. The aim is to obtain comprehensive insights into the geological conditions underground and thereby reduce risks for the subsequent tunnel construction.

Foto: Ministerstvo dopravy ČR

The planned exploratory adit will reach a length of 838 metres and will be constructed with a longitudinal gradient of four per cent. The so-called New Austrian Tunnelling Method will be used. The contract for the works was awarded to a consortium of the companies Subterra, INSET and Safety Pro. The contract value amounts to 248 million crowns.

Before the actual excavation begins, a 20-metre-long micropile umbrella will first be installed. The construction works will be carried out using blasting techniques, which are required due to the expected geological conditions. The lining of the adit will be carried out with sprayed concrete, reinforced with steel mesh and additional support elements.

The Prostřední Vrch tunnel is part of the section between Václavice and Voračice and, with a planned length of 950 metres, will run beneath a hill west of the municipality of Václavice.

Foto: Ministerstvo dopravy ČR

In parallel with the technical preparations, land acquisition for the entire route is also progressing. According to ŘSD, 65 per cent of affected property owners have already been contacted, and around 43 per cent of the required purchase contracts have now been signed by both parties.

The Central Bohemian section of the D3 will connect south of Prague near Jesenice to the Prague Ring Road and will then continue further south. In addition to several interchanges, the project includes, among other things, 51 bridges, 14 overpasses, seven tunnels and noise barriers with a total length of more than 17 kilometres.

Construction costs are currently estimated at around 71.3 billion crowns. According to current planning, construction could begin in 2028, with completion scheduled for around four years later.

Once completed, the D3 motorway will be a total of 170 kilometres long and will connect Prague with the Austrian border. According to the Road and Motorway Directorate, construction of all sections in Central Bohemia is to be completed by 2031. The South Bohemian section of the D3 is expected to be completed by 2027.