A European capital boasts an expansive network of tunnels running beneath it. The Blanka Tunnel Complex is the longest city tunnel in Europe, spanning 5,502 metres.
The tunnel lies underneath Prague and holds the title of the longest road tunnel in the Czech Republic. It links the area west of Prague Castle with the Trója district in the North-east of the capital. Three tunnels, comprising the Bubenečský, Dejvický, and Brusnický tunnels, form the complex, which was built to ease congestion in the historic city centre.
During its initial 49 months following inauguration, it was used by 139 million cars.
Currently, it is estimated that 88,000 vehicles pass through the tunnel daily. The Blanka Tunnel Complex opened on September 19, 2015, though it had been in the works for a long time.
Works began in 2006, although planning dated back to 1993. The tunnel was scheduled to launch in 2011, yet the largest and most costly infrastructure scheme in Prague was postponed by four years.
It required 43 billion crowns, equivalent to £1.5 billion today, excluding some building expenses. Throughout the construction of the tunnel complex, three landfalls occurred.
The incident occurred twice in the Stromovka park, producing craters measuring 15 to 25 metres. Another landfall transpired in the garden vicinity of the Ministry of Culture in Hradčany.
Since its inauguration, the Blanka Tunnel Complex has required ongoing upkeep. A dedicated control centre operates around the clock, with night shift workers maintaining lighting, ventilation systems, cabling and drainage.
Last year, the tunnel celebrated its 10th anniversary. Prague Daily News said: “It relieved congestion in the city centre, reduced journey times, and took vehicle traffic underground.
“Since its opening, around 780 million vehicles have passed through the tunnel.
“The Dejvický Tunnel has borne the greatest load with more than 271 million vehicles, followed by the Brusnický Tunnel with almost 266 million and the Bubenečský Tunnel with 236 million vehicles.
“Although Blanka has been in regular operation for years, the approval process for part of the project is still not fully concluded.
“A formal decision by the Administrative Court has meant that the relevant section continues to operate only under provisional use.
“Observers, however, expect a final acceptance soon.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
