Prague provides the southern variant of the tunnel to the airport. Trains run up to 50 meters deep
The management of Prague supports the southern variant of the railway route between Dejvice and Veleslavín, which is to connect Prague with Kladno and Václav Havel Airport. This variant envisages running trains from Veleslavín through a tunnel under the Střešovice massif to Dejvice, ie south of the existing railway line. The modernization of the line has been addressed by the city and the Railway Administration for several decades.
In the southern variant of the tunnel, it will usually lead at depths of more than 50 meters below the terrain and buildings. The track will go according to the plan in the direction from Dejvice to Veleslavín gradually from a depth of 20 meters below the surface to a depth of more than 50 meters. The Střešovice tunnels should be excavated at this depth. Towards Veleslavín, a steeper ascent is planned from the lowest point than in Dejvice.
TBM technology will be chosen for the excavation. According to a document approved by the councilor, it is most favorable for the impact on the overburden. “The chosen variant, technical solution and depth of the tunnels are prerequisites for maximum and unchanged comfort of the site above the tunnels, as the vibration and noise effects are completely negligible,” the material states.
Different variants of the tunnel management between Dejvice and Veleslavín – The Railway Administration has chosen the southern variant, this was also provided by Prague 6 and the City Council | Photo: SŽ
Modernization has been talked about for several decades
They recommended the approved variant as the best of the assessed expert opinions prepared by a team from the Czech Geological Survey and a team of experts from the Ruhr University in Bochum. According to their conclusions, the southern variant is the least conflicting with the affected area.
The modernization of the line has been talked about for several decades. Initially, there were disputes over the ground variant, due to which a number of private buildings would have to be demolished. The locals in particular opposed it. They also did not like the original tunnel variant, when they feared, among other things, shocks or disruption of the groundwater system.
The railway administration estimates the construction start date at 2025, if the necessary permits are obtained. The railway connection to the airport is expected to start operating in the years 2028 to 2029. The construction is to take 24 to 30 months. The estimated price for the Výstaviště – Veleslavín section is 13 billion crowns.