Monthly Archives: May

Fewer trucks, a quiet bus fleet, narrow roadways – these are some of the assumptions to reduce road noise along the new tram route to Mistrzejowice.

We have recently announced that adjustments to reduce the acoustic nuisance associated with car traffic will be requested at the final stage of design works. Their aim is to reduce the number of noise barriers and trees to be removed as requested by the residents.

The design of Tramway route to Mistrzejowice – the last adjustments 

The Private Partner has already been asked to introduce changes and the chief designer has been requested to make the necessary adjustments. These are:

• adopting the cross-section of the street in accordance with the current permanent traffic organization: 2×1 plus parking lanes, road width of 6.5 m in total on straight sections and the implementation of a band with a usable width of 0.75 m behind the road, along parking spaces;
• the currently designed sidewalk (that was to serve parking spaces as well) to be converted to green area;
• taking into account the use of a modern, silent tram rolling stock by the carrier;
• limiting the traffic of heavy vehicles and introducing an electric bus fleet;
• applying surfaces with improved noise-reduction parameters for locations particularly exposed to its increased level.

How will the changes affect the schedule?

Within the coming month, the Private Partner will analyze the impact of the changes requested on the costs and duration of the investment. Since their scope does not affect the investment area, the application for ZRID (road construction consent) is not necessary again. The amendment will be made only by means of supplementing the documentation.

Fewer noise barriers, more greenery – these design changes respond to the needs voiced by Kraków’s residents. The ideas include limited traffic on Meissnera Street, electrified bus fleet or the use of a noise-reducing surface.

The tram route to Mistrzejowice is built to facilitate commuting for the residents and to align the space along it to the needs of the local community. This is a major challenge for designers who seek trade-offs to satisfy all users of the new infrastructure.

Tramway to Mistrzejowice – the residents’ voices are heard

Protection against noise is a key aspect of any transport investment yet the construction of noise barriers triggers heated discussions. Having listened to the neighbors of the planned tram route to Mistrzejowice, the investment partners decided to analyze possible changes to the design meant to reduce the noise along Meissnera and Młyńska Streets. A preliminary analysis revealed that the number of noise barriers can be reduced along the investment provided the traffic is limited to a single lane in each direction, the bus fleet is electrified and noise-reducing surface is applied – says Paweł Motyka, Deputy Project Manager at Gülermak. With these changes in place, several dozen trees will be saved that had been originally intended for logging due to a collision with the planned infrastructure. – From day one, we kept repeating the investment would be as friendly to the residents as possible and would not excessively interfere in the public space – says Marcin Hanczakowski, Director of Kraków Municipal Road Authority (ZDMK).

An analysis is currently underway of how the initiated design changes will affect the costs and schedule of the investment which was planned for completion at the end of 2024.

Over 18 thousand m² of bike paths will be constructed as part of the construction of the Kraków Fast Tram route (KST), stage 4.  Cyclists will safely and comfortably cover the entire route between the intersection of Meissnera/Mogilska Streets and Mistrzejowice.

Two-way cycle tracks are being designed along Meissnera, Młyńska, Lublańska and Dobrego Pasterza Streets on both sides of the route to the level of Krzesławicka Street. Cycling continuity between Dobrego Pasterza and Bohomolca Streets will be provided along Krzesławicka Street where cyclists will participate in general traffic. Along Bohomolca and Jancarza Streets, a cycle track has been designed on one side of the road to the Mistrzejowice terminus. They will be integrated with the existing network of cycle routes.

Safety and comfort on the cycle track

According to the design, car traffic, cyclists and foot traffic will be separated.  – Sidewalks and cycle track will be separated from each other by means of different pavement texture – says Magdalena Cyran, road design coordinator in Gülermak, the company implementing the KST IV project.

The cycle track pavement will be made of asphalt concrete in order to ensure comfort and safety for cyclists. The applied solutions will guarantee good adhesion on curves and during wet braking. They will minimize the risk of cracks, chips and deflections caused by various factors, e.g. impact of vegetation or low temperatures. Thanks to the red color of the wearing course on cycle crossings, the zone for cyclists will be visible and aesthetic.

The required visibility has been verified and ensured at all spots where the cycle route crosses other travelways. The designer has verified visibility splays and obstacle-free-zones have been introduced where necessary. They will ensure greater visibility both for the vulnerable road users and drivers thanks to which quick reaction will be possible.