Zlín will determine how feasible it is to build a tunnel in the city center

Zlín - Zlín will commission a study that will show how feasible it is to build a tunnel approximately one kilometer long along road I/49 on Tomáš Baťa Boulevard. The tunnel is intended to calm traffic in the city center. The study will answer whether it is possible to construct it, describe potential technical problems, and analyze its financial implications, councilor Michal Čížek (ANO) told reporters today.

The tunnel is expected to be dug and have a concrete skeleton, with public transport vehicles able to travel above it. Several options have been assessed, and according to the city, the most advantageous route for the tunnel is from the city theater to the Baťa skyscraper, which was also recommended by the city's transport general plan. Estimates suggest that approximately 18,000 cars will travel through it daily in both directions.

"The idea of calming the center with a dug tunnel is intriguing. Although it is not a cheap solution, it remains the most advantageous among around ten options considered. Once it is proven that construction is feasible and we have a rough budget for building this dug tunnel, it will be necessary to start negotiations with the state on co-financing and to continue with further stages of project documentation," said Čížek.

The feasibility study will examine the spatial alignment of the construction, propose surface modifications, map the requirements for the relocation of engineering networks, and the construction of related facilities, such as drainage, fire safety, ventilation inside the tunnel, and escape routes. The study is expected to cost about two million crowns excluding VAT.