Václavice begins excavation of exploratory adit for D3 motorway tunnel

Construction has begun on the ‘Žofie’ exploratory adit near Václavice, a key preparatory step for the future Prostřední Vrch tunnel on the Central Bohemian section of the D3 motorway. The project, costing 248 million CZK, aims to map complex geological conditions, including unstable rock zones and fractures, to inform the design of the final tunnel lining and excavation technology.

The 838-meter-long adit will reach depths of up to 42 meters underground. Radek Mátl, Director General of the Road and Motorway Directorate (ŘSD), noted that the historical massif in the area is highly complex with significant cracks and irregularities. Detailed geological assessments and core drilling will be conducted throughout the process to prevent future construction complications and unexpected costs.

The broader D3 motorway project in Central Bohemia is expected to cost approximately 71.3 billion CZK and includes 58.5 kilometers of road, seven tunnels, and 51 bridges. Construction of the main motorway section is currently projected to begin in 2028.