On 15 April 2010, the Czech Republic representative, Martin Duris, with help and support from Helena Kolarova, organised the annual site visit to the Blanka Tunnel in Prague.
The organizers welcomed a number of ICE members and also the country representative of the RICS, Mr. Glyn Evans with their other members, the country representative of the IET, Mr. Petr Cesak, the representative of the Czech Chamber of Engineers and Technicians (CKAIT), Mr. Michal Trnka and other guests.
The opportunity to view this major construction site in Prague was very attractive for all the attendees. The city has experienced a significant increase in the city traffic and the tunnel is viewed as a key part in the necessary improvements to the transport infrastructure. The construction site is located in the central part of the city, neighbouring the historical city centre and the protected landscaped areas of Kralovska Obora and Stromovka parks.
The Blanka Tunnel is a part of the capital's inner ring road and one of the biggest civil engineering projects currently under construction in the country. It is constrained by breadth of technical and city planning requirements. The investment includes a series of connected activities, including relocation of utilities and public transport (tramway tracks and buses).
The length of the structure is over 6km and its completion is forecast for 2011. Together with the existing tunnel, the completed structure will be 17km long and will form the longest tunnel in the country. The tunnel comprises of three adjacent tunnel sections, Brusnice, Dejvice and Kralovska obora. The site visit included the bored section of the tunnel at the U Vorliku junction.
Martin Duris, ICE Representative Czech Republic
Helena Kolarova, CEng MICE