The operation of Blanka will cost Prague approximately 20 million crowns per month

source: http://blankanenitunel.cz/

Prague - The operation of the Blanka tunnel complex is costing Prague about 20 million crowns per month. This was stated to journalists today by Deputy Mayor Petr Dolínek (ČSSD) and Alexander Butovič, the director of the Satra company, which operates the tunnel for the city. Blanka was opened on September 19 last year and has since seen over 30 million vehicles. The costs of the controversial construction amounted to 43 billion crowns.

"The operating costs of the tunnel, excluding energy, are 16 million crowns per month. In full operation, these costs will decrease, as some activities will no longer be necessary," Dolínek said. Energy costs are about 50 million crowns annually, or roughly four million per month. In total, Prague has allocated 394 million crowns in this year's budget for the operation of Blanka. "Given the amount allocated, the current costs were expected. However, the exact amount of costs will only be clear after the final accounting for the entire year," Dolínek added.

Blanka consists of the Bubenečský, Dejvický, and Brusnický tunnels. A record number of vehicles in one day occurred on July 12, 2016, when the Technical Administration of Communications (TSK) counted 94,500 vehicles in the Brusnický tunnel. According to Dolínek and Butovič, there have been no serious technical or technological problems during the first year of operation.

Following the opening of the construction, traffic has decreased on Milady Horákové, Argentinská, Veletržní streets, along the embankment of Captain Jaroš in Prague 7, and on the Nuselský Bridge. Conversely, traffic has worsened on Jugoslávských partyzánů street, as well as in Patočkova street and in the area around Vítězné náměstí. Drivers are also increasingly using the Mrázovka tunnel and Strahovský tunnel, which connect directly to Blanka. According to TSK data, the accident rate in the tunnel complex is 72 percent lower than it was in the same sections on the surface.

Blanka has caused problems, especially at the exit at Prašný Bridge and at Vítězné náměstí in Prague 6. The city hall has been complaining about the worsening traffic situation for several months. Last week, city hall leaders called on the magistrate to implement several measures, including closing the exit at Prašný Bridge. Prague 6 is also experiencing an increase in the number of vehicles in Patočkova street. The number of vehicles has also increased in V Holešovičkách street in Prague 8, where it rose by 16,000 vehicles per day following the tunnel's opening. Therefore, the city hall is demanding that the street be deepened or tunneled below ground.

Satra must prepare several documents by the end of this year, such as presenting the results of noise and emission measurements. Only then can the complex operate in normal, rather than trial mode. The change will not affect the operation of the tunnel itself; it is a legal act. The trial operation was necessitated by the proceedings in which Prague was obtaining building permits.

According to Dolínek, the city must continue the construction of further connecting structures. The inner circle should continue from Blanka via Povltavská towards Malešice.

Blanka cost 43 billion crowns, which is about ten billion more than was originally planned. Prague is still engaged in arbitration with suppliers over unpaid invoices.