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Czech Republic Begins Exploratory Tunneling for D3 Highway Amidst Legal and Local Opposition
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A crucial exploratory phase for a major Czech highway project is underway, but faces hurdles ranging from zoning disputes too concerns over local water supplies.
Construction on an exploration tunnel for the Kamenná Vrata tunnel near Jílové is progressing, with builders reaching a depth of approximately 30 meters.This initial phase, representing roughly a quarter of the planned 1,600-meter tunnel length, is vital for assessing geological conditions and refining cost estimates for the larger D3 highway project. According to a senior official from the Central Bohemian D3 preparation team, the survey alone will cost nearly 416 million Czech crowns.
D3 Highway Project Faces Significant Delays
The D3 highway, intended to connect Prague with southern Bohemia, is currently stalled due to a missing 58.5-kilometer section.This gap extends from the Prague ring road near Jesenice to the existing highway terminus between Tábor and Miličín. Critically, the Directorate of Roads and Highways (ŘSD) currently lacks the necessary zoning decisions for any of the five planned sections, a prerequisite for obtaining building permits. The section linking the highway to Týnec nad Sázavou is the furthest along in the approval process, having secured a zoning decision at the end of last year.
Billion-crown investment at risk?
the ŘSD plans to invest over a billion crowns in three tunnels – Kamenná Vrata, Luka, and Prostřední Vrch – as part of the D3 project. Though,this considerable investment is being questioned by advocacy groups like Alternative D3,who argue the highway route remains legally unstable and could be rejected during the zoning procedure. “The Directorate of Roads and highways intends to spend over a billion crowns…even though the highway route is not legally stabilized,” asserted a representative of Alternative D3.
The ŘSD vehemently disagrees, maintaining that the project is firmly embedded in regional and national progress plans.”The building is enshrined in the Principles of Territorial Development of the Central Bohemian Region…there is there’s no doubt whatsoever that the building will be built. The question is when,” stated a spokesperson for the ŘSD, adding that a zoning decision isn’t legally required at the land acquisition stage.
Projected Timeline and Local Resistance
Current projections estimate that zoning decisions for all sections will be issued this year. The ŘSD aims to secure building permits in 2027 and commence construction on all sections simultaneously in 2028, with a projected completion date of 2032.
Though, the project is encountering significant resistance from local communities. A primary concern revolves around potential water loss in local wells due to the tunneling. In response, builders are proactively planning to construct new drinking water pipelines concurrently with the exploratory tunnel excavation.
“Black Building” Allegations and Legal Disputes
The exploratory work itself is under scrutiny. Alternative D3 alleges that construction around the Jílové tunnel constitutes “black building” – illegal construction due to a lack of necessary permits. “Constructions related to the exploratory tunnel are being carried out illegally,” claimed a lawyer for Alternative D3, focusing on facilities for workers, road connections, and excavated material piles.
The ŘSD refutes these claims,citing previous court rulings in similar cases and asserting full compliance with all applicable legislation. A spokesperson for the ŘSD stated, “We proceed completely in accordance with all valid legislation and have all the necessary administrative acts.” The dispute appears to be escalating into a bureaucratic debate over which legal framework governs the construction site.
The future of the D3 highway, and the substantial investment it represents, remains uncertain as legal challenges and local concerns continue to mount.
