Metrostav halts work on unfinished Blanka tunnel

The construction firm Metrostav on Saturday halted work on the unfinished Blanka tunnel complex under construction in Prague. The construction firm claims it is owed 2.1 billion crowns by Prague City Hall for work already completed and has handed the matter over to an arbitration court. The tunnel is being conserved and it is not clear how long it may be before work on it is restored. City Hall claims the contract with Metrostav was invalid from the start and say they are unable to transfer any more funds. The cost of conserving the tunnel, which was expected to open next year, has been estimated at 1.6 billion crowns annually.