THE OPENING OF THE LINE ALONG GRUNDMANNA STREET IN KATOWICE

The last tram line built from scratch in Katowice was an extension of the line to the then tram depot at the Southern (Kosciusko) Park to the Brynów terminus, commissioned in September 1947. In the next years various tram investment projects were being implemented, however, for the setting out, construction, and commissioning of a brand new section of the tram network in Katowice we had to wait 76 years.

– The section of the new tram line along Grundmanna street is short, but it is of strategic importance. In the case of events organisation on Rynek, it provides a possibility of alternative running of the tram traffic. However, we are not going to stop at that. After many months of waiting, we have managed to receive an environmental decision. This is a crucial step for the implementation of long-expected investment, which is a tram to the southern Katowice. This is a more than 5 km long tram line, which will allow to reach the city centre from Kostuchna within approx. 20 minutes – told Mr. Marcin Krupa, the Mayor of Katowice.

The works contract was signed on the 16^th of March 2022, and the project was implemented by a consortium of companies: SPAW-TOR from Krakow, Silesia Invest from Gliwice, and Grotex from Zabrze. – It was not an easy task to do. The consortium of contractors encountered on its way a number of various difficulties and arduousness, but finally everything ended successfully. The new infrastructure was signed off and received a use permit from the supervising authorities, and this means that starting from tomorrow the line trams will be carrying passengers by this route – emphasised Mr Bolesław Knapik, the President of Tramwaje Śląskie S.A.

The task entitled ‘The construction of a tram line along Grundmanna street in Katowice. Connection of two main tram lines operating in the east - west direction, running along Chorzowska and Gliwicka streets’ comprised the construction of 1475 m of single track in various structures (classical track on sleepers, continuous grout bed, prefabricated slabs). 2950 m of rails was installed, 6 double turnouts, 12 switches, and 6 sets of expansion devices. To build the track, 3000 m³ of various aggregate fractions were used, more than 700 m³ of concrete were also cast. 60 catenary poles were constructed along the new track, on which 2360 m of overhead line were stretched.

The investment project also comprised the construction of a new traction substation, equipped with new equipment, a new tramway bridge over the Cross-Regional Highway (DTŚ) was built, as well as a tramway bridge on the Rawa river. Passengers will have available 4 stop platforms, two situated on each of both ends of the new line, close to the intersections with Chorzowska and Gliwicka streets.

The task was completed and received a use permit. Starting on Friday, the 22^nd of December 2023, the new track is operated by line trams. The Metropolitan Transport Authority (ZTM) made a decision on extending the route of line 25, which (going from the terminus in Szopienice) will not end up on Plac Wolności, but will continue along Gliwicka, Grundmanna, and Chorzowska streets to the terminus at the Silesian Stadium.

The task is a part of the ‘Integrated Project of Modernisation and Development of the Tram Infrastructure in the Silesian-Zagłębie Conurbation, Including the Purchase of Trams’ co-financed by the European Union from the Cohesion Fund under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment in the 2014-2020 EU perspective. Its total cost will be known after completion of all settlements, but it is estimated at approx. net PLN 37 million (approx. gross PLN 45.5 million), of which approx. PLN 20 million is the EU financing.

Tram to the south

After obtaining a positive decision of the General Directorate for Environmental Protection, the Katowice Investments could return to the work on the tram line to southern Katowice. The actions focus now on the updating of the previously prepared concept, which, due six-years long protests against the construction, requires detailed adaptation to the current situation, and then on the preparation of a complete design documentation, which will enable inviting bids for the construction works.

Let us remind that on the 21^st of August the General Directorate for Environmental Protection issued a long awaited environmental decision, which means in practice a possibility of finishing the design work and obtaining a building permit. A 5.2 km tram line to the southern Katowice, including a Kostuchna transfer centre, will be the biggest investment in the field of public transport in the most recent history of the city. Its total value is estimated at more than PLN 350 million.

The route will start from the ‘Brynów’ Park & Ride Transfer Centre, commissioned in 2020, and it will end with the ‘Kostuchna’ Park & Ride Transfer Centre at Bażantów street, past the intersection with Zabłockiego street. The new line will be related to the construction of six tram stops, three of which will also ensure a possibility of direct transferring to buses, in a ‘door-to-door’ system. The speed will be one of the greatest advantages of the tram to the south. An average time of travel by tram from Kostuchna to Rynek at peak hours will be approx. 20-24 minutes, so it will be an interesting alternative to travelling to the city Centre by car. Also, a new bicycle track will be passing along the tram line, and bicycle parking places will appear at tram stops.

source: Tramwaje Śląskie

Photo Mariusz Banduch