CT: Prague does not have control over the construction of the Blanka tunnel

Prague - Prague has no control over the construction of the Blanka road tunnel complex. This was reported today by Czech Television, citing a report commissioned by the city from a supervisor. According to the document, there is insufficient oversight at the construction site, stated ČT. However, the Prague Department of Urban Investment disagrees with the findings of the report.
    According to the supervisor, there should be 50 to 60 technical supervision workers overseeing the construction of the Blanka tunnel, but there are only 14 present. Technical supervision was also absent during the soil collapse that created a crater in Stromovka, ČT noted.
    The document, according to ČT, had a negative tone especially towards the company Inženýring dopravních staveb, which is responsible for the management of the Blanka tunnel construction. However, the company strongly rejects the criticism, as does Jiří Toman, head of the Urban Investor Department, who personally commissioned the supervisor's report. He considers the criticism to be unjustified and is contemplating discontinuing cooperation with the supervisory company. The author of the report is bound by confidentiality, therefore he does not comment on it, added ČT.
    The Blanka tunnel is part of the northwestern section of the city’s inner ring road. The investor for the urban ring road is the municipality. Most of the road will run in tunnels, with construction costs expected to reach 21.2 billion crowns, while technology will cost an additional 4.5 billion crowns. The Blanka tunnel complex is supposed to be completed by 2011.
    The tunnel is designed to complement the already operational 17-kilometer section of the ring road with the Zlíchov tunnel, Mrázovka tunnel, and Strahov tunnel. According to the municipality, there will be a mobile phone signal, emergency exits, SOS niches, and tunnel public address systems. Cameras will monitor safety, and the ventilation system is said to ensure the removal of exhaust fumes and the supply of clean air.