Czech infrastructure manager SŽDC announced that the study on the high-speed connection between Prague and Dresden should be finished in the first half of 2019. For the selection of the most suitable option, Czech and Saxon geologists are already carrying out the necessary survey on all intended routes. This will result in a unified cross-border geological map and a 3D model. Besides the geologists’ work, preparing the necessary transport and socio-economic analysis will be also an important part of the current project.
Until now, the two sides elaborated three preliminary studies which will be used in the upcoming feasibility study on the high speed railway line that will start in Dresden, through Ústí nad Labem to Prague.
The new high speed rail connection is estimated that will be operational in 2035, and the travel between the two cities will be reduced to 52 minutes, from currently 2 hours.
Last year, the Saxon State Ministry of Transport presented the conclusions of a feasibility study on the project that proposed the construction of the 26 km Erzgebirge Tunnel, at Germany – Czech Republic border, between Heidenau and Ústí nad Labem. From here, the line should cross River Elbe on a new bridge, which will be constructed alongside the existing rail bridge.
The project is carried out under the Cross-border cooperation programme on the development of railway transport between Saxony and Czech Republic and is implemented within the Programme for Supporting Cross- border Cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Free State of Saxony 2014–2020, co-financed by the European Union. This programme aims for a sustainable territorial development with the means of joint economic, social, and environmental activities. The common goal is the advancement of the Saxon-Czech border area to a common, sustainable living environment, natural environment, and economic space including strengthening competitiveness as well as the sustainable improvement of people’s living condition in the common border region.
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