Tramway to Mistrzejowice to take route at -1 level through Młyńskie roundabout

Decision has been made concerning changes in the design in the area of Młyńskie roundabout. Partners in the project of construction of the KST IV tram route have agreed on implementing trackbed at -1 level which is an alternative option to the one planned initially. The changes are a response to the residents’ expectations and will ensure the project is integrated with the planned construction of premetro.

Initially, the tramway route to Mistrzejowice was to feature an over-ground trackbed in the area of Młyńskie roundabout. In the spring, analyses were launched to check the possibility of introducing changes to the design whereby the tracks would be below the ground level. Their outcome brings solutions where the tramway route is below the roundabout.

“One of the main reasons for this decision is that the city had approved the premetro study which provides for its joint route with the KST IV  between Bareja and Młyńskie roundabouts. By adjusting infrastructure to this major investment, we are supporting further development of transportation system without the need to redevelop the one already existing” – says Marcin Hanczakowski, Director of Kraków Municipal Road Authority (ZDMK). “We also wanted the tram to pass through Młyńskie roundabout, a critical location, in a grade-separated way so that all traffic users can save time and travel safely” – he adds.

The proposed underground route option was supported by the residents as seen in the preliminary results of a survey made as part of the second stage of public consultation for KST IV. It was the preferred option for approx. 65% of respondents.

Longer tramway route at -1 level

Under the new solution, down ramps – leading to a shored excavation in which trackbed will be placed under Młyńskie roundabout – will be located in the area of Pszona street. Passengers will be using stops at -1 level on the northern side of the roundabout.  The stops will be accessible via underpasses which the passengers can reach using stairs or elevators situated on both sides of Młyńska street. Trams will be entering the planned tunnel before Polsadu roundabout. Therefore, the underground section of the tramway line, including ramps, will be approx. 1,180 meters long.

“Passengers already know this solution from Mogilskie roundabout. The underground option will not only shorten the tram journey time, but also improve traffic organization in the area of the intersection” – says Paweł Motyka, Deputy Project Manager at Gülermak. “The biggest challenge for this design option comes from the location of a tributary of Sudoł Dominikański stream right under the roundabout. This requires the grade line of the tramway route to be under the tributary, at 9.65m below ground level” – explains Motyka. The basic option of the new solution in the area of Młyńskie roundabout involves the redesign of the existing road network on the ground to be a turbo-roundabout. Yet, analysis of the possibility of leaving the intersection in its current form is still performed. Each route has a consistent circulation system designed for pedestrians and cyclists. The cost of additional works is set at approx. PLN 135m. Their implementation requires the consent of the Kraków City Council.

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Positive opinion from the team tasked with reviewing the safety of vulnerable road users

Solutions for cyclists and pedestrians designed as part of KST IV tram route received a positive opinion of the team tasked with reviewing the safety of vulnerable road users. Below you can find the sheets presented to the team. The designer will still add on them some minor comments from the opinion.

Lema / Meissnera intersectiion and Meissnera street
Lema / Meissnera intersection
Meissnera street and Młyńskie roundabout
Młyńskie roundabout
Młyńskie roundabout and Młyńska street
Polsadu roundabout, Lublańska street and Barei roundabout
Barei roundabout and Dobrego Pasterza street
Dobrego Pasterza, Krzesławicka, Bohomolca streets
Bohomolca and Jancarza streets
Jancarza street and Mistrzejowice tram loop
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Positive opinion from the team tasked with reviewing the safety of vulnerable road users

Solutions designed as part of the KST IV tram route received a positive opinion from the team tasked with reviewing the safety of vulnerable road users. Wherever area conditions allowed, bicycle paths were designed on both sides of the investment and separated from pedestrian traffic.

The team – being part of Public Transport Authority in Kraków – started reviewing the KST IV design in June and allocated some time for collecting opinions from the residents. Intensive work has been made since then to adapt the infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists to the standards required by Kraków. Two meetings have been held between the designer and the audit participants while the review procedure ended with a positive opinion.

– The safety of vulnerable road users is a very important aspect of any project and designs are always reviewed by experts. The design of tram route to Mistrzejowice was no exception. We are happy the opinion is positive and now the designer will be analyzing the last comments – said Marcin Hanczakowski, Director of Kraków Municipal Road Authority (ZDMK).

The design involves the construction of new and partial reconstruction of the existing bicycle paths along the entire length of the tram route. They are planned on both sides of the route on the section between Lema–Meissnera intersection and the entrance to Water Park. They will be integrated with the infrastructure for cyclists in the areas adjacent to the project or they will enable smoothly joining the general traffic.

– For safety reasons – as much as possible given the area conditions – we followed the general rule of separating the bicycle and pedestrian traffic: the former one closer to the pavement, the latter on the inner side – says Paweł Motyka, Deputy Project Manager with Gülermak implementing the project. Whenever possible, the bicycle paths designed are 3m wide and safe geometric layout has been secured.

In the tunnel sections, pedestrians and cyclists may freely use the infrastructure at all levels. Spacious lifts have been designed for cyclists, people with reduced mobility and parents with prams to move between the levels. There are plans to build a bicycle parking lot at the Mistrzejowice terminus as well as numerous bicycle stands – their exact locations will be agreed at the detailed design stage.

A positive opinion from the team tasked with reviewing the safety of vulnerable road users in the city introduces the last remarks on the proposed solutions. The designer will be analyzing them to possibly take them into account. The sheets with the design are available at www.tramwajdomistrzejowic.pl/en.

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