There are traffic delays on the D8 (E55) highway between Dresden and Prague due to construction work on two tunnels. On the Czech side, the 2.1-kilometre-long Panenska Tunnel and the approximately 400-metre-long Libouchec Tunnel have been completely closed for a week since Tuesday, according to the RZD freeway authority.
In this area, a full closure applies in both directions. For car and truck drivers, detour routes have been signposted through the Ore Mountains, but these lead along narrow and sometimes confusing roads. The Czech highway D8 connects to the A17 on the Saxon side.
The Czech police asked for patience. They urged drivers to form emergency lanes immediately on the detour routes if necessary. According to the CTK agency, around 140 officers are on site to regulate traffic. After the one-week full closure, traffic will be routed through one of the two tunnel tubes in both directions for months. Further full closures are also planned for the beginning of July and October.
