<div>Drivers entered the tunnel complex with a four-year delay.</div>

Prague - The operation of the Blanka tunnel is completely problem-free in the first hours. Andrea Zoulová, a police spokesperson, told ČTK. The first drivers entered the Blanka around 14:40 today. The six-kilometer tunnel was put into operation after eight years of construction and with a four-year delay. The speed limit during the trial operation was set at 50 km/h. The construction of Blanka cost the capital city 43 billion crowns, including the connection to the Strahov tunnel, which is about ten billion more than originally planned. The construction of the complex began under the former mayor Pavel Bém (ODS).
    The opening of the tunnel for vehicles was preceded by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the entrance to the Bubeneč tunnel in Letná. It was attended by Cardinal Dominik Duka, Mayor Adriana Krnáčová (ANO), and Deputy Mayor Petr Dolínek (ČSSD), as well as representatives of the companies involved in the construction of the tunnel. "I am glad that we managed to open the Blanka tunnel complex. The main thing is that this investment is now completed and as Prague, we can start addressing other issues," said Dolínek.
    The first vehicles began to enter the tunnel from Letenské náměstí, the first being a Škoda. Shortly thereafter, the first cars appeared at the exit next to the tram loop at Špejchar, the first being an old Fiat Panda coming from Pelc-Tyrolka.
    The first hours of operation went smoothly. "So far, we have not recorded any problems. On the contrary, we are surprised that drivers are very disciplined and often do not even drive at the maximum permitted speed," said Zoulová around 17:00. The tunnel is expected to handle about 80,000 cars daily, but the city estimates that in the first weeks it could only be around 50,000 vehicles.
    Dozens of people, both pedestrians and cyclists, came to Letná and Troja to see the opening of the tunnel. They took photos and recorded videos of the tunnel’s launch. Many drivers who came to see the tunnel honked at the entrance in Troja. Inside, many of them drove at thirty and explored the tunnel. A few minutes after the tunnel opened, people then dispersed. According to ČTK reporters on site, traffic was smooth and without issues.
    In connection with the opening of the tunnel, both the city and state police have strengthened their patrols. Police officers and guards are monitoring not only at the entrances and exits of Blanka but also in some adjacent streets.
    In the past, the city planned to run a public transport line through the tunnel. However, public transport buses will not be using the tunnel for now. It is unclear whether and when the city management will introduce the proposed bus line; it will likely happen only during the next year.
    It is currently unclear how the opening of the tunnel will affect Prague's traffic. The city does not have any comprehensive and officially approved document that analyzes the operation and proposes adjustments to the surrounding streets.
    Construction of the tunnel began about eight years ago and was supposed to be opened in 2011. However, construction was complicated by land subsidence, technical problems with cables, or legal disputes between the city and contractors. The tunnel, which began construction under former mayor Pavel Bém (ODS), will cost Prague 43 billion crowns, including the connection to the Strahov tunnel.
    The Blanka tunnel is part of the city ring road, but Prague still lacks the continuation of the inner ring road and a corresponding connection to the still unfinished Prague ring road, the construction of which will be funded by the state. The city management will decide on the continuation of the inner ring road in the coming weeks. This primarily concerns a new tunnel along the Vltava towards the Balabenka intersection and the possibility of sinking Holešovičky.
    According to the plan, the main roadway system of the capital is to consist of two rings, namely the outer bypass of Prague and the inner city ring road, connected by seven radials. Due to disputes over the form of the city ring road, a decision was made to transfer part of the ring into tunnels.
    Currently, the southern and western parts of the ring from Štěrboholská radial via the South Connector to the Barrandov bridge, followed by the expanded section of Strakonická street and the Zlíchov, Mrázovka, and Strahov tunnels to Břevnov are already in operation. Here, Blanka connects the ring under Letná and Stromovka to the right bank of the Vltava at Pelc-Tyrolka.
    The part of the ring that should connect to Blanka and continue towards Štěrboholská radial via Balabenka is still quite distant. Once completed, the city ring should be about 33 km long.