Tramway to Mistrzejowice will run on green trackbed
In recent years, more and more cities are beginning to appreciate the potential of trackbed as a perfect spot to locate additional green areas. The trend is especially popular in cities that are seeking new ways to improve the quality of life of their residents. Kraków is a leader in the greening of tramway routes in Poland. The Tram to Mistrzejowice is yet another project following this pattern.
Many cities are struggling these days with air pollution and facing limited amount of green spaces. One solution to this problem is the so-called green trackbed: green belts running along streets, tramway tracks or expressways. Their main goal is to improve the quality of life for the residents by increasing green urban areas, reducing noise and protecting against air pollution.
Green trackbed are becoming increasingly popular in cities around the world. Kraków has been investing in green initiatives for years and is ahead of other cities in Poland in terms of green tram infrastructure. There are over 28 kilometers of green routes in the city now. Green tracks have been already introduced for instance on communication routes of 3 Maja Avenue, Kamienna – Prądnicka – Dr. Twardego – Krowodrza Górka, Grzegórzeckie Roundabout – Mały Płaszów and Grota Roweckiego – Czerwone Maki. The planned construction of a new tram route to Mistrzejowice involves an additional 4.2 km of green tracks.
Why is it worth building green tracks?
Green tracks in the city center help to significantly reduce air pollution. Plants absorb harmful substances from the air, such as nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. More greenery supports biodiversity and attracts different species of birds and insects.
However, the advantages of this solution are not only about ecology. Green tracks also improve the quality of life for the residents. They perform an insulating function: reduce noise and vibrations emitted by trams to the environment. Green tracks absorb sounds from the surroundings, which means residents face less problems with noise.
Green tracks are crucial for improving the quality of life for residents, so more and more cities around the world are opting for this solution. Often times, these areas are introduced as part of revitalization of post-industrial districts or railway infrastructure. This supports creating new, attractive green spaces in the city center.
Location of ticket machines revealed for the tram route to Mistrzejowice!
Ticket machines are installed in the last stage of the tram route construction, but their locations must be planned already at the design stage. Why so early? To secure power.
The contract for the construction of the tram route to Mistrzejowice obliges the private partner to make the connection, power supply and prepare the foundations for the ticket machines. Ticket machines are also a source of passenger information and have been very well received in Kraków. They will be located near the new stops.
Where exactly?
at the current location of the stop: Tauron Arena Kraków Wieczysta
before the junction of Meissnera and Ugorek Streets
on the junction of Meissnera and Kazimierza Chałupnika Streets
on the Młyńskie Roundabout stop
before the junction of Młyńska and Miechowity Streets
on the Polsadu Roundabout stop
on the junction of Dobrego Pasterza and Mariana Słoneckiego Streets
on Dobrego Pasterza Street before the junction with Krzesławicka Street
on Bohomolca Street after the junction with Kniaźnina Street
on Jancarza Street after the junction Oświecenia Residental Area
on the Mistrzejowice terminus
An overview map of the planned ticket machine locations
Passengers will reach underground stops by elevators and escalators
The tram route to Mistrzejowice will feature a grade-separated solution through two Kraków roundabouts: underground. Moving between levels is not easy for everyone and some users may even find it impossible. Therefore, the design provides for safe elevators and escalators.
Access to individual floors of the Polsadu Roundabout underground stop – which can be used by up to 1,600 passengers per hour – is ensured mainly by traditional stairs. However, the design also includes six pairs of escalators, i.e. as many as 12 flights. If combined in a single row, they would lead passengers to a height of about 60 meters: as high as the St. Mary’s Tower!
Coming back down to earth: the escalators will be inclined at an angle of 30 degrees and their usable width will be 1m. For safety, the edges of individual steps will be marked with a contrasting color and the flights will be equipped with dynamic traffic lights prohibiting or allowing access. In addition, the operation of the stairs will be monitored 24 hours a day by the BMS system and supervised by qualified staff at the stop.
Elevator to the platform
It will also be possible to get to the modern underground stop by elevators. Although intended for every user, they are dedicated especially to the elderly, individuals with limited mobility and carers with children in prams. There will be facilities for the blind. The buttons on the controls inside and on the call panel will be equipped with Braille. A voice information system will also be put in place.
Elevator dimensions will allow for the free movement of a larger group of passengers – anyone with suitcases, luggage, backpacks or bicycles. An additional convenience secured by the designers are heated door sills to facilitate opening and closing the door in the winter in case the snow freezes. What about floors? Under their feet, passengers will see stone slabs matching other floors. Elevators have also been designed at the Młyńskie Roundabout stop located on level -1, but in a semi-open and secured excavation.
Technology that will last
Elevator interior will be finished in a vandal-resistant stainless steel. They will be monitored and a visual signal will be transmitted to the surveillance room 24/7. For safe and efficient operation, both the elevators and the escalators will be regularly maintained and inspected. Passengers will be enjoying them for many years to come!