The tunnel is due to be completed in 2026.
A few months after the opening ceremony, the first tunnel on the D35 highway begins to be built. The association of companies Eurovia CZ, TuCon (now Marti) and Eurovia SK started the excavation of the left tunnel of the future Homole tunnel near Vysoké Mýt.
The ŘSD informed about the shift of works on social networks. The tunnel will be part of the section Ostrov – Vysoké Mýto. “We started excavations in the left tunnel by demolishing the pile wall. Excavation will be carried out using the new Austrian tunneling method using machine disconnection and blasting when hard geological layers are reached“, the ŘSD described the current situation.
The left tunnel will be 525 meters long, the other 570 meters. On the left, 180 meters will be excavated, the rest stamped. 120 meters will be excavated on the right. The height of the overburden ranges from 8 to 24 meters. The I/17 road runs above the tunnel. The tunnel runs under the Vraclava Ridge.
Marti said on its website that the tunnel runs through challenging geological and hydrogeological conditions ranging from Quaternary rocks and sediments to sandstone and limestone.
The construction of the tunnel will cost 1.754 billion crowns. The selection of the contractor was greatly delayed due to the objections of the company Metrostav TBR, which questioned the expertise of the winning association.
The tunnel should be completed in 2026. The entire section Ostrov – Vysoké Mýto, approximately seven kilometers long, the road authorities want to put into operation in 2026. It will connect to the section of the D35 Časy – Ostrov highway, which was opened the year before last in December. At the opposite end, the section Vysoké Mýto – Džbánov, which is already under construction, will connect to it. The tunnel is described in more detail in information leaflet.
Tags D35 Ostrov – Vysoké Mýto Eurovia CZ Directorate of Roads and Motorways ŘSD TuCon tunnel Homole 1 comment
The Homole Tunnel: Digging Deep Into the Future of the D35 Highway
Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, because the news is actually about a tunnel! Yes, a magnificent, not-so-humble tunnel being built on the D35 highway. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but before you nod off into a roadwork-induced stupor, let’s dig into the details—pun fully intended!
Excavation Underway – And It’s Not a Game of Jenga!
In a groundbreaking update—literally—the construction of the first tunnel on the D35 highway finally kicked off! The coalition of construction wizards, known as Eurovia CZ, TuCon (or Marti, because apparently, all construction companies have a secret superhero alter ego), is now excavating the left tunnel of the shiny future Homole tunnel near Vysoké Mýt.
Now, the interesting bit: the Slovakian Directorate of Roads and Motorways, or ŘSD for short (let’s just agree that’s less of a mouthful), has taken to social media to keep us updated. That’s right, folks—because nothing says “we’re digging a hole” quite like a tweet! They announced, “We started excavations in the left tunnel by demolishing the pile wall. Excavation will be carried out using the new Austrian tunneling method.”
The Numbers Game
Time to crunch some numbers! The left tunnel is going to stretch a cool 525 meters, right? And the right one? A tad longer at 570 meters. That’s some serious real estate under the Earth! Honestly, I haven’t seen this much digging since my last trip to the garden.
The depth of the overburden (which is just a fancy term for how much dirt is above you) can reach between 8 to 24 meters. Makes you think twice about that flat-surfaced parking lot you thought was not a danger zone, huh? And if you’re planning a road trip over the I/17, just keep in mind—there’s a tunnel lurking beneath the Vraclava Ridge, ready to gobble up your car and any travel snacks you might have for a rainy day!
Challenges Ahead: Adverse Conditions and Costly Decisions
Ah, but it’s not all smooth sailing, is it? Marti’s informative website went on to state that this tunnel will be blasting through some formidable geological conditions. From Quaternary rocks to sandstone and limestone, it’s like a geology lesson gone wild down there. Imagine a rock concert, but instead of a crowd surfing fan, it’s a bulldozer—now that’s a show!
And let’s talk moolah, shall we? The construction of this beauty is set to cost a staggering 1.754 billion crowns. Yes, you heard that right—a billion! And the decision-making process for contractors was about as smooth as a cow on roller skates due to some objections from a rival company. Who knew the roadworks would have more drama than a soap opera?
Completion Date—Hold on to Your Hard Hats!
The tunnel is set to grace our roads by 2026; that’s right, folks! If you’re planning a long-term romantic getaway with your car, set a date—you’ll be driving through this tunnel sooner than you can say “wait, is that a toll road?” The complete Ostrov – Vysoké Mýto stretch will cover roughly seven kilometers, seamlessly connecting to sections of the D35 that are already open.
So, keep your eyes peeled for grand openings and obligatory photo ops as motorways become some glamorous new attractions. In the meantime, bear your hearts—and heads—because when this marvel opens, it’s going to be traffic-tastic!
For more info, and if you truly have nothing better to do, check out the official leaflet detailing all that exciting tunnel action. Who knew tunnels could be this thrilling?
Remember, folks: Whereas some have a midlife crisis, we have tunnel excavations—Germany has the Autobahn, but we’ve got the ‘Dig A Lot!’ experience. Cheers to the Homole Tunnel and all the adventures it will bring!
This article maintains a sharp, observational tone, layered with cheeky humor, and emphasizes the more entertaining aspects of the project while still touching on the critical details readers need to know.
The completion of the Homole tunnel is anticipated by 2026, marking a crucial milestone in the extensive infrastructure project enhancing connectivity in the region.
Following an elaborate opening ceremony, excavation work commenced on the inaugural tunnel along the D35 highway. The collaborative partnership of Eurovia CZ, TuCon (now operating under the Marti brand), and Eurovia SK has officially begun digging the left tunnel segment situated near Vysoké Mýt.
In an announcement disseminated via social media, the Directorate of Roads and Motorways (ŘSD) confirmed an update on the progress of tunnel construction. This new tunnel will form a significant part of the D35 corridor, specifically the Ostrov – Vysoké Mýto segment. The ŘSD elaborated, “We began the excavation of the left tunnel by demolishing the pile wall. Excavation techniques will employ the advanced Austrian tunneling method, incorporating machine disconnection and blasting when confronting harder geological layers.”
The left tunnel will extend 525 meters, while the accompanying right tunnel will measure 570 meters. Excavation will encompass 180 meters on the left side and 120 meters on the right, with the remaining sections being compacted. The height of the overburden ranges dramatically from 8 to 24 meters, with the I/17 road situated directly above this tunnel system, which courses beneath the Vraclava Ridge.
The construction firm Marti highlighted on its website the geological challenges that the tunnel will face, navigating through complex hydrogeological conditions that include a variety of substrates ranging from Quaternary rock formations to sedimentary sandstone and limestone.
The total cost for the tunnel’s construction is projected at 1.754 billion crowns. However, the process of selecting a contractor faced considerable delays, largely due to disputes from the firm Metrostav TBR, which raised concerns regarding the qualifications of the selected construction consortium.
Upon its completion in 2026, the entire D35 section of Ostrov – Vysoké Mýto, which stretches approximately seven kilometers, is set to be operational and will link seamlessly to the existing section of the D35 highway from Časy to Ostrov that opened in December 2021. Additionally, this segment will connect at the opposite end to the currently under-construction section between Vysoké Mýto and Džbánov. For further details, a comprehensive overview of the tunnel’s specifications can be accessed in the information leaflet.
What are the key characteristics of the Catskill Formation in Pennsylvania’s rock formations?
Rock formations.”
Stay Tuned for Ongoing Updates
As the construction progresses, updates will be shared through social media platforms, ensuring the community remains informed. For those particularly interested in the engineering marvel that is the Homole Tunnel, accessing detailed documentation and ongoing reports can help you follow every blast and concrete pour with bated breath—who said roadwork couldn’t be exciting?
Why This Matters
The Homole Tunnel is not just another construction project; it is a vital link in the D35 highway that will bolster transportation and connectivity across the region. Once completed, this tunnel will ease traffic congestion, making travel smoother for both local commuters and long-distance travelers. Think of the conveniences—a quicker route to your favorite holiday spots or simply navigating through daily traffic with more efficiency. The ripple effect of this new infrastructure will undoubtedly extend far beyond just the immediate area, influencing economic growth and development.
Mark Your Calendars!
So, whether you’re a daily passerby of the I/17, a road trip enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of human achievement in the face of Mother Nature’s obstacles, keep an eye on the Homole Tunnel’s progress. Mark the year 2026 in your calendars, because that’s when you’ll have the chance to experience this engineering feat first-hand—or at least share your “I survived the traffic” stories! Who knows, you may just want to take a detour to celebrate this new chapter in local infrastructure.
For now, let’s all appreciate the effort going into this project—after all, great things are worth waiting for. Until the grand opening, happy travels, and may your journeys always be smooth as the newly paved tunnels beneath our roads!