Plzeň will begin the next phase of the reconstruction of the northern tram line

Plzeň - In Plzeň, the second phase of the reconstruction of the tram track on Karlovarská Street will begin, which leads to the most populous parts of the city. However, it has been in use for more than 30 years and is in a state of disrepair. The city hall will start the repair of the 1100-meter long section from Na Chmelnicích Street to the intersection with Sokolovská Street, said the technical deputy of the mayor, Petr Rund (ODS), to ČTK.
    The reconstruction of the most utilized tram line section in Plzeň is this year's largest investment project of the city. It will cost 136 million crowns, including tax. Thanks to the tender, the city managed to significantly reduce the price, as the project price was around 230 million crowns, said Rund.
    On Monday, the city will hand over the construction site. "The reconstruction is divided into two parts and will take place during complete tram operation interruptions in July and August, when holiday timetables are in effect and car traffic is not as heavy as in the rest of the year," said Rund.
    The first part of the section will be equipped with large-format panels. "The second part from the U Družby stop to the Gerská station will be carried out on a classic rail superstructure, which means on sleepers using reinforced concrete coverage panels. The use of this technology is possible due to lower loading from tram traffic," explained Ondřej Prokop from the city council.
    The works will also include other changes - all intersections in the section will receive new traffic signals, and a turning lane for cars will be added towards the city center in Svobody Avenue, the unused underpass at U Družby will be removed, and public transport stops will have barrier-free access.
    During the interruptions, passengers of tram line 4 will be transported by replacement buses. The construction work will also affect drivers. Sections of traffic lanes along the tram strip will be closed. "We will try to maintain at least two traffic lanes in both directions. Only during the construction of the sewer and the removal of the underpass will there be a short-term diversion of traffic into one traffic lane in the given section," stated Rund.
    The repair of the first part of the track, nearly one kilometer long, required 176 million crowns in 2009. The territorial decision has already been issued for the third and final phase, which includes the reconstruction of the track from the Severka stop to the end of tram number 4. This year, documentation for the building permit is expected to be processed, which could be issued in the first half of next year. The start date for the reconstruction of the last section will depend on the financial capabilities of the city in the coming years.