D3: Excavation Begins on Exploratory Tunnel for Prostřední Vrch Tunnel

Geological exploration work has begun for the planned Prostřední Vrch tunnel on the Central Bohemian section of the D3 motorway. The 838-metre-long exploratory tunnel is intended to provide important data on the condition of the rock and thereby reduce risks during the later construction of the tunnel.

The Czech Roads and Motorways Directorate ŘSD has begun excavation of the “Žofie” exploratory tunnel. It is being built on the Václavice–Voračice section of the planned D3 motorway in Central Bohemia (Středočeský kraj) and is intended to provide detailed geotechnical information for the later construction of the Prostřední Vrch tunnel.

The work will cost CZK 248 million and is expected to continue on site until October 2027. According to the Ministry of Transport, this is already the third exploratory tunnel for the seven tunnels planned in total on the new section of the D3.

Photo: Ministerstvo dopravy ČR

Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik described the route as an important building block for completing the motorway connection between Prague and South Bohemia. At the same time, the new D3 is intended to relieve heavily congested roads in the region.

Bednárik said that extensive preliminary geological checks were particularly important for major transport construction projects. In this way, potential problems could be identified at an early stage and additional costs during the actual construction could be reduced.

Construction of Central Bohemian D3 Planned to Start in 2028

The exploration work is due to be completed by October 2027. The data obtained will then form an important basis for the tender documentation for the entire Václavice–Voračice section.

Photo: ŘSD Středočeský kraj

The planned Central Bohemian section of the D3 motorway will be 58.5 kilometres long in total. Near Jesenice, it is to connect to the Prague Ring Road and then continue via Jílové, Hostěradice, Václavice and Voračice to Nová Hospoda. Benešov is to be connected to the new motorway via an approximately six-kilometre link near Václavice.

According to ŘSD, the project includes a total of 51 bridges, 14 overpasses, seven tunnels and 37 noise barriers with a combined length of 17.1 kilometres. The estimated cost of the Central Bohemian section is more than CZK 71 billion. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2028. Four years later, in 2032, the route is due to open to traffic.

According to the latest information, around 50 per cent of the land required for the project has already been purchased.