The extension of the Branisko tunnel is to cost over half a billion
Analysts criticize the repair of the first class path.
The Branisko tunnel, which is connected by Spiš and Šariš, has been operating for more than twenty years. Motorists have long warned that the traffic intensity on this section of the D1 motorway is increasing and the tunnel capacity will exceed the future.
Therefore, the National Motorway Company (NDS) has carried out a feasibility study to assess whether it is worth building a second oven Branisko tunnel and how much it would cost.
Recently, analysts of the Value for Money (ÚHP) at the Ministry of Finance commented on the study (first noticed it Hospodárske noviny).
In essence, they agree that the second tunnel oven needs to be built, but they have reservations about the associated costs that are associated with an expensive project anyway.
How much will it cost
The ÚHP evaluated seven variants of the construction of the Branisko tunnel and, according to him, the one who counts on the completion of the second oven at the same time appears to be the most advantageous. It would cost more than half a billion euros with VAT.
The second oven with a length of 5.2 kilometers and the expansion of the D1 motorway from the Tunnel to the intersection of Beharovce is less than 300 million euros. The remaining costs will require reconstruction of the existing pipe (EUR 92 million), the reconstruction of the first class I/18 road through the Branisko mountain pass (EUR 69 million) and the construction of two ecoders (EUR 46 million).
« Although this is not the cheapest alternative, there is a lower risk of damage to the current pipe during construction, » economists explain their recommendations.
The selected option only partially uses the existing tunnel tunnel. Cheaper options use it all, so they only extend it to the new tunnel. Since the tunnel will be mined with explosives, there is a risk of shocks in the original oven.
Branisko needs to be expanded, says NDS. When do they start building a second tunnel oven? Read
The new oven can hold more cars
IFP analysts who monitor whether public finances are used effectively agree that the second oven of Branisko will be needed for higher traffic intensity.
According to the NDS study, the current one tunnel passes an average of 18,000 vehicles a day. After 2030, an increase is expected to be up to 22,000 vehicles, exceeding the permitted 20,000 vehicles for a two-way tunnel in one oven.
Economists also agree to the planned reconstruction of the original Branisko pipe, which was opened in 2003. At the time of completion of the second oven, which should be in 2035, it will be more than thirty years.
« This exceeds the life of tunnel technologies and it will be necessary to replace the concrete road, » the analysts write.
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The way through the pass no need to be expanded
On the contrary, economists do not like to spend almost 70 million euros for the expansion and repair of the first class road through the Branisko mountain pass.
It is currently not used because it is in poor condition. The motorists perceive it as a possible detour if both Branisko pipes had to close.
« Such a situation can only occur exceptionally, and for today, on average, 500 vehicles per day the current width of the road is sufficient, » the analysts think. According to them, you could be on this item to save EUR 49 million.
Finally, analysts criticize that the NDS did not justify why she wants to use the cut rock from the tunnel for ecoduct, and not, for example, for the construction of sections of the D1 motorways, D4 or when repairing railway lines near Branisko.
