Under the Olomouc train station, a underpass to Hodolan was created

Olomouc - A underpass has been created under the main train station in Olomouc leading to Hodolan, which will significantly shorten the journey for residents of this district to the train station. The link was awaited for more than 160 years. Construction of the underpass, which cost more than 71.2 million crowns, was initiated by the railway workers about a year ago. Representatives of Czech Railways and the Railway Infrastructure Administration, investors in the project, shared this with journalists today.
    "The original idea for spanning the station with a footbridge appeared back when the original station was being constructed. This station was built before 1840. Since then, several studies have been conducted, the last one ending unsuccessfully between 1986 and 1987. We are truly witnessing a historic moment," said Václav John, chief inspector of the Olomouc Railway Infrastructure Administration.
    The new tunnel connects to the underpass that was completed by railway workers in 2003, linking the area in front of the station with the platforms. The length of the new underpass reaches 65 meters, with the entire tunnel, including the already completed section, measuring about 139 meters. The link is also accessible to people with disabilities thanks to barrier-free adjustments. Elevators will also reach the platforms. The investment also included the construction of a new parking lot at the entrance to the underpass from the Hodolan side. It has a capacity of 72 spaces for cars and three for buses.
    The new underpass will be especially appreciated by the residents of Hodolan, who previously had to walk to the station via a dangerous path across the tracks or a detour over a bridge across the railway line, or used trams for their journey. "We expect that the underpass will overall revive this district. Hodolan has been somewhat cut off, but thanks to the new underpass, it can become a place where people will go for a walk," said Mayor Martin Novotný to journalists.
    The underpass will also be used by visitors to the planned railway museum, which is to be established in Hodolan. The city management is also considering the idea of relocating the bus station to the entrance of the underpass from the Hodolan side.
    Construction of the tunnel was started by railway workers last September. "High frost in January and February complicated the work. Due to the rising water table, we had to continuously pump it out 24 hours a day throughout the construction," said Tomáš Saida from the OHL ŽS construction company previously.
    The tunnel was built under the so-called freight perimeter of the station. According to the station management, the construction of the second part of the underpass was not as demanding in terms of passenger transport as the first, during which the railway workers had to close individual platforms.