Prague completes tunnel for first section of future metro D line

A significant milestone was reached in the construction of Prague's metro line D heading into the weekend. The first section of the new line, spanning from the future Olbrachtova station to tunnel behind the future Pankrác D station, was officially connected as a wall between them came down.

This connection was achieved below the intersection of Na Strži and Jeremenkova streets in Prague 4. Over the 19 months since construction began, more than 2,100 meters of tunnels have been dug for Metro D, representing approximately 60% of the total excavation volume for the first section of the line.

Friday's breakthrough event was attended by Mayor Ondřej Kubín of Prague 4, Transport Councilor Jaroslav Míth, and Finance Councilor Zdeněk Kovářík. Mayor Kubín commended the progress, expressing gratitude to both builders and residents for their patience during the construction.

"I'm glad that the excavation in the Pankrác - Olbrachtova section continues according to plan and there are no delays," Kovářík stated through a press release.

"In addition to the builders, I would also like to thank the residents of the adjacent buildings for their patience, because it is not easy to endure the restrictions related to the construction of a new station for many months. The reward will be access to the new traffic artery and the appreciation of the value of their real estate."

"Today, you can say that Metro D exists because you can get from station to station. A nice early gift under the Christmas tree," adds Míth.

"I look forward to the fact that in the not-too-distant future the construction will progress and we will also look at Thomayer University Hospital and beyond, and on the other side at Náměstí Bratří Synků. Excavators and tunnel boring machines are already on standby!"

The construction of Metro D will result in numerous public transport disruptions for Prague residents. Last month, the city announced that the Pankrác station on Line C would close for a year from January 2025 for construction in the area.

The completion of the first tunnel between Pankrác and Olbrachtova on Friday means that construction is without delay after more than a year and a half of work. Prague's Metro D line is still on schedule to be functional by 2029.