Prague Metro D: Tunnelling Begins in Nové Dvory

Underground work has begun on another section of Prague’s Metro D line. In Nové Dvory, work is initially under way on an approximately 300-metre-long access and ventilation tunnel for the future station.

Almost three months after construction began on the section between Ryšánka, formerly Olbrachtova, and Nové Dvory, construction company HOCHTIEF CZ has started the actual tunnelling work. The access and ventilation tunnels for the future Nové Dvory metro station are being built first.

To mark the start of the work, Catholic priest František Čech blessed a statue of Saint Barbara. According to a centuries-old tradition, the patron saint of miners, construction workers and tunnellers is intended to protect those working underground from accidents.

Photo: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

The figure, carved from lime wood, was installed above the tunnel portal. It comes from a woodcarving workshop in Val Gardena in South Tyrol whose history dates back to the 17th century. It was created by the Grossrubatscher brothers, who are descendants of the renowned Moroder family of artists.

Around 300 Metres of Tunnel by Spring 2027

Before tunnelling began, the construction site was prepared, the excavation pit and the access tunnel portal were dug, and utility lines were laid and new connections installed. Around 2.5 metres of the future access tunnel have been excavated so far.

The access and ventilation tunnel is expected to reach a total length of around 300 metres. The access tunnel is only temporary and will be used for tunnelling, removing excavated material and constructing Nové Dvory station.

Photo: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

Work on the access and ventilation tunnel is expected to continue until the end of the first quarter of 2027. Tunnelling will then begin on the actual single-vault Nové Dvory station, including the escalator tunnels and lift shafts. The station is to be fully excavated before the tunnel-boring machines arrive at the construction site.

Tunnel-Boring Machines to Arrive in Mid-2027

The launch shaft for two tunnel-boring machines is currently being prepared at the construction site. For this purpose, layers of rock are being piled up and compacted. At the same time, a logistics centre and a hall for manufacturing the segments required for tunnel construction are being built.

Photo: Dopravní podnik hl. m. Prahy

The contract for the production and delivery of the two tunnel-boring machines has already been signed. The machines are currently under construction and are expected to arrive at the Rezerva construction site in mid-2027.