Leaks hit Czech Blanka Tunnel and boost costs

Further problems have hit the Blanka Tunnel in Czech capital Prague. The link has been hit by a series of delays and is now suffering from leaks. The project is costing €1.43 billion and is due to open in May 2014. The company building the tunnel Metrostav, has stated that the leaks are likely to be temporary and should be dealt with by the time the link opens to traffic, when it will become part of the Prague ring road. Construction work started on the tunnel in 2007 but the project has faced a series of problems, including three collapses. The original cost was estimated at around €1.025 billion, including €870 million for the construction work. However, due to the problems the link has suffered the project is expected to cost in the order of €1.42 billion. The cost of the project spiralled following the delays and was expected to hit €1.5 billion, causing some controversy, however the city authorities managed to peg the final cost at €1.42 billion.