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On Thursday, October 5, the second Construction Council took place with the participation of the public side. We have compiled for you a summary of the answers to the questions asked by councilors and residents.

Below is a summary of the questions asked and the answers given.

The webcast of the 2nd Tram Construction Council to Mistrzejowice is available in full on the YouTube channel of the Cracow City Roads Authority [link] and under questions.

The next meeting will be held on November 9, 2023.

How will traffic be organized on November 1, during All Saints’ Day? 

Private Partner: It is planned to delay the opening of the relationship of 29-Listopada Street with Powstańców Street due to another investment carried out by the City. If new traffic organizations are implemented on our scope, they will be passable in each direction – all turning relationships at the Polsadu Roundabout will be maintained. 

When is the reconstruction of the heat pipeline at 4 and 6 Meissnera Street planned for?

Private Partner: The work on the heat pipeline is tentatively scheduled for November, but the switchover itself is planned outside the heating season. 

Public Entity: If we’re talking about utilities, it’s so that first we build the new element, when it’s finished, we do the rewiring, and we dismantle the old one, so that the impediments and interruptions to utilities are as small as possible. These impediments will then be hourly.  

Can we expect tree cutting in November? 

Private Partner: If the project, after making changes, is approved by all city units, we will proceed with the cutting of trees in the vicinity of Lublańska Street and Pszona Street, which is currently on hold in this area. There is one tree left on Jancarza Street and it will be cut down in the near future. Until now it was left because of an active nest. Currently, the nest is no longer active.

Will an orthophotomap site plan be prepared? Request that an updated list of trees to be cut down be made available to residents.

Private Partner: We will provide such a list when we have the final agreed road layout solutions. We do not want to mislead you. The design work is ongoing, and we are trying to do it as soon as possible. We will make it available only after we have final agreement with the road manager and obtain the necessary opinions from the police, ZDMK and MIR, among others.

When will visualizations of the investment be available?

Public Entity: due to changes in the project, the City will make the visualizations available after final decisions are obtained, and all corrections have been applied to the graphic materials. 

What will traffic on Bohomolca Street look like after the investment is completed? Will there be traffic jams?

Public Entity: There are no city representatives who are responsible for the city’s development strategy, so none of us can give a comprehensive answer. This question should be directed to the City Traffic Engineer.

How much will the driving lanes and busway on Młyńska Street be? 

Public Entity: The lanes under the current concept will be 3m wide, while the busway will be 3.5m wide. 

Private Partner: However, we do not have final agreement with MIR and ZDMK, so the widths are not formally confirmed.

What about the trees growing on the slope near Pszona Street?

Private Partner: Trees halfway up the slope will definitely be removed. We will try to preserve the trees that grow on top of the slope. We want to move the retaining wall closer to Meissnera Street.

Will there be noise barriers on Krzesławicka Street? 

Private Partner: On Krzesławicka Street, according to the decision of the RDEP at the reassessment stage, we do not have noise barriers designed. 

Public Entity: In accordance with the terms of the order issued by the RDOŚ and the ZRID decision, after the construction and commissioning of the investment, the necessity to perform a post-execution analysis is envisaged. In case of obtaining the results of the analysis indicating the need for construction of screens by a separate administrative procedure, the Investor will be obliged to obtain a permit for their construction.

How will traffic on Młyńska Street look like when entering the Polsad Roundabout from the east side will all lanes be blocked or just one?  

Private Partner: The north-south relationship will be preserved, but significantly reduced. 

Drivers, coming from the Młyńskie Roundabout, approximately at the level of the current stop, will have to change the roadway to the left. The roadway located on the eastern (right) side will be completely closed. Here, a single lane will be driven all the way to Lublańska Street.

Is it possible to abandon the sidewalk under construction on Krzesławicka Street? 

Private Partner: The question will be addressed to the City Traffic Engineer.  

We already have combined bicycle and car traffic on Krzeslawicka Street. As previously agreed, adding pedestrians to the same cross section is excluded.  

The solution of combining car traffic with bicycle traffic and separately pedestrian traffic results in the least possible occupation of the area with the paved part, leaving more space for the green area. 

How long will the current difficulties on Młyńska Street last? 

Private Partner: The next planned change in traffic organization is scheduled for the second half of October.  

The restoration of the Polsad Roundabout to full operation will take place simultaneously with the completion of the contract. The scope of the work, which includes the reconstruction of the Sudół Dominikański watercourse, the construction of the tunnel and the reconstruction of the heat pipeline, is such a complex operation that it will last for practically the entire duration of the project, which is certainly 2 or 2.5 years. 

Are there any changes planned in the courses of the bus lines that run from the Barei Roundabout towards the Młyńskie Roundabout?  

Public Entity: the Construction Board has no such knowledge.

As construction work on the underground stop and tunnel has commenced, we have concluded the acceptance of applications from individuals interested in inspecting buildings and apartments within the project’s impact area. Since July, we have successfully inventoried nearly 500 apartments.

Back in mid-July, we extended an invitation for you to register for a visual inspection of the current condition of buildings and apartments located within the zone of influence designated by the designer [link]. In light of the significant construction activities set in motion, we are preparing to conduct the last of the pre-arranged inventories in the upcoming days.

These inspections were conducted immediately before work initiation to ensure that residents, city authorities, and the contractor could be confident that the project was proceeding as planned. Owners of properties that underwent the inventory process are entitled to receive a copy of the inspection report. Should you have any additional questions, we encourage you to reach out to us at info@tramwajdomistrzejowic.pl.

We extend our gratitude for your cooperation and the numerous submissions we received.

Site preparation is slowly coming to an end. In mid-September, work began on the construction of the underground Polsad Roundabout stop, and at the beginning of this week we started sinking the diaphragm walls. What exactly are we doing at this stage and how is the excavation being carried out?

In the vicinity of the Iżyckiego Flyover, in the green belt dividing the roadways on Młyńska Street, the first stage of work on the construction of an underground stop has begun. The contractor first carried out control digs to precisely locate underground networks. In mid-September, work platforms were erected, i.e. sturdy structures that allow geotechnical and structural work related to the underground part of the Polsad stop. They have to withstand the demands of heavy equipment, including a powerful slurry wall sinking machine that weighs about 100 tons.

At the beginning of this week, we started the main part of the geotechnical work: it includes sinking and creating the station’s diaphragm walls.

Slurry walls are reinforced concrete structures that enclose the tunnel, minimize the impact of the excavation on buildings in the vicinity of the structure and take the pressure of the soil and groundwater. They are formed by concreting an excavation made by a deepening machine. The excavation will extend more than 20 meters into the ground.

High silos containing bentonite have also appeared directly next to the flyover. The bentonite slurry supports the walls of the open slots as they are excavated and reinforcement baskets are installed, until the slots are filled with concrete mix. Crack walls are concreted from the bottom of the excavation to the top. Once such walls are completed, construction of the floor, the structural top slab of the tunnel, can proceed.

The process of erecting one diaphragm wall takes an average of 24 hours, and the most strenuous work – i.e. the sinking of the diaphragm walls – is done during the day. Depending on the section and the planned depth, the work may be prolonged. It is important that the work must be carried out continuously, due to the technological process. The result of interrupted concreting can be the formation of permanent defects in the structure and the inability to ensure high quality work. Any defects created in this element of the structure directly affect the duration of construction, and thus the duration of the construction impact on the environment.

Starting Thursday, October 5, further modifications will be implemented to the temporary traffic arrangements in connection with the construction of the tramway to Mistrzejowice. Road closures and lane restrictions will be in effect around the Polsad Roundabout area.

These adjustments are necessary due to the ongoing construction activities related to the Tram to Mistrzejowice and the planned reconstruction of underground infrastructure. A key component of these efforts involves the reconstruction of the rainwater drainage collector. This collector, with a diameter as large as 1400 mm (approximately the height of an average 9-10-year-old), plays a crucial role in safeguarding residents from the impacts of extreme weather events, including flooding and waterlogging.

Additionally, we will initiate the reconstruction of the sanitary sewer (600 mm in diameter) responsible for wastewater from the office and commercial complex and residential developments north of the Mateusz Iżycki Flyover, as well as the Orange and Netia telecommunications sewer.

As a result of these infrastructure works, residents will encounter lane restrictions and road closures.

Here’s a summary of the upcoming changes:

• On Młyńska Street, the right-turn lane onto Bora Komorowskiego Street will be deactivated. The current right-turn lane will serve both straight and right-turn purposes (toward Bora Komorowskiego Avenue).
• On Lublańska Street (when driving from 29 Listopada), the bus lane will be temporarily disabled. Public transport vehicles will share a common lane with other drivers (the middle lane on the Roundabout) for straight-ahead travel (toward Bora Komorowskiego Avenue) and left turns (Lublańska Street leading to the Barei Roundabout). This configuration will include a single lane at the exit of the Roundabout toward Bora Komorowskiego.
• Dedicated bus lanes will be established for public transport on Lublańska Street, from al. 29 Listopada to the Polsad Roundabout, on Lublańska Street from the stop near the Barei Roundabout to the Polsadu Roundabout, and on Bora Komorowskiego Avenue from the intersection with Dobrego Pasterza Street (in the direction of Polsad Roundabout).

These changes will remain in effect until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these necessary adjustments.

An illustrative map of the designation of bus lanes:

Source: Gmina Miejska Kraków, Portal MSIP Obserwatorium (https://msip.krakow.pl) 

During the night of September 27-28, an emergency occupation of the Polsad Roundabout roadway was conducted. The purpose of this operation was to ensure the continued functionality of the underground infrastructure.

This nighttime work was scheduled to minimize disruption to local residents and motorists.

We acknowledge that the ongoing construction may have caused some inconvenience, but it was imperative for maintenance and safety reasons. Access to the roadways was fully restored prior to the morning rush hour.

Following a thorough assessment of the infrastructure, our team has determined that additional targeted interventions in the underground infrastructure may be required.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding.

The construction of a 4.5-kilometer tram route to Mistrzejowice is well underway, with plans to put it into operation by 2025. Recent weeks have been dedicated to intensive site preparation, the reconstruction of underground infrastructure, and the establishment of a site for the future track construction.

The construction of the Kraków Fast Tram (stage IV) commenced in the early days of July. This new route will significantly enhance the accessibility of public transportation for residents of Mistrzejowice and Prądnik Czerwony, who currently rely primarily on bus services.

In a special reportage prepared for your viewing, you will witness the initial construction activities and related efforts, such as road inventory and inspections of apartments and buildings in close proximity to the project. We’ve also delved into the work of nature supervision, which comprises ornithologists and theriologists. Their responsibilities include checking for active nests on the trees slated for removal, to ensure they aren’t inhabited by wildlife.

In the near future, we are scheduled to initiate the reconstruction of sewer, water, telecommunications, and energy networks.

Thanks to the lens of our camera, you’ll have the opportunity to witness these developments firsthand.

Anyone desiring an inspection of properties within the construction impact zone can request one until the end of September. Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about these inspections.

• Where can I find information about ongoing on-site inspections?

The most important information, including a map and contact details, can be found on our website [link].

• What will be checked?

The building inspection comprises a concise description of the structures in the selected properties, photographic documentation, and the creation of a report detailing the current technical condition.

• How do I apply to participate in the inventory?

If your housing cooperative doesn’t handle applications, you can also apply directly via email at info@tramwajdomistrzejowic.pl (please include your exact address and phone number). Alternatively, you can apply by phone from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays at 722 22 00 88.

• Do the staff conducting the inspection have construction licenses?

Construction authorizations are required for technical expertise, but visual inspections of buildings do not necessitate such authorizations.

• Why were the indicated buildings selected for the inventory? Who selected these buildings and apartments, and on what criteria?

Buildings within the designated construction impact zone were identified by the Designer based on the project’s impact projections. You can find a map with marked properties selected for inspection here.

• Why take inventory?

The inventory ensures that Residents, City Authorities, and the Contractor have comprehensive documentation on property conditions. These inspections occur before construction work commences to eliminate doubts and assess the potential impact on neighboring properties.

• Can I apply for an inventory if I have a lot of cracks on the walls?

Yes, you can apply for an inventory, even if your walls have numerous cracks. The inventory includes documenting the current state of the building, describing and photographing any cracks or other damage.

• Why wasn’t the inventory done before the design phase?

The inventory should be as up-to-date as possible to accurately reflect the property’s condition. Therefore, it’s conducted immediately before deep excavation or construction work begins.

• Is the construction of KST IV safe for buildings and housing?

Yes, the KST4 project has received all necessary permits and has been designed to meet the highest safety standards and legal regulations.

• By when can you apply?

The inventories are being conducted from mid-July to the end of September 2023. The first deep excavations in the Polsad Roundabout area are scheduled to begin in late September or early October.

• What geotechnical studies have been conducted?

The initial geotechnical investigations were performed by the City of Krakow while preparing the documentation for selecting the Contractor. Subsequent studies were conducted by the Contractor’s and Designer’s teams during the Construction Design stage. Additional surveys were carried out during the Detailed Design stage.

An assessment of the technical condition of buildings within the zone of influence was prepared during the architectural and construction design phase.

This coming Monday, September 4, residents of Kraków will face temporary difficulties in crossing Dobrego Pasterza Street. Preparatory work will be carried out in connection with the construction of the Tramway to Mistrzejowice.

On September 4, from 9:00 am, a temporary narrowing of the roadway on Dobrego Pasterza Street (at the level of the Swing Hotel) will be introduced.

The obstructions will only be in effect for a few hours. Pedestrian traffic will be controlled by properly trained and authorized staff of the contractor.  Upon completion of the work, the traffic routes will be restored to their full widths.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Although the construction of the tramway route to Mistrzejowice has only just begun, and its completion is scheduled for the end of 2025, from the perspective of public transport passengers the most important and most frequently asked question is: where will the new tramway stops be located? We bring you the answers.

The project area includes not only dense residential development, but also areas that generate a lot of traffic: office zones, shopping centers, a cinema or a water park. Therefore, the locations of the bus stops have been designed to provide residents with the widest possible access to these places.

The project involves the construction of new and redevelopment of existing tram stops. Here are their locations:

• at the intersection of Jana Pawła II Avenue and Meissnera Street,
• in the area of Ugorek Street,
• in the area of the intersections with Mieczyslawa Pszona and Kazimierza Chałupnika Streets,
• in the area of Młyńskie Roundabout (underground stop),
• in the area of Polsadu Roundabout (underground stop),
• in the area of Barei Roundabout, on Dobrego Pasterza Street,
• on Dobrego Pasterza Street in the area of Krzesławicka Street,
• on Bohomolca Street in the area of Kniaźnina Street,
• on Jancarza Street in the area of Oświecenia Housing Estate,
• on the redeveloped Mistrzejowice terminus.

Each stop will have a shelter to protect it from the sun and rain. In addition, where technically possible, new plantings have been designed on tram and bus platforms. Thanks to the use of a special anti-compression system, the roots of the common maple ‘Globosum’ will have free space to grow under the sidewalk and roadway.

Underground stops near Młyńskie Roundabout and Polsadu Roundabout will be accessible by traditional stairs, elevators and escalators. Underground areas will feature ramps and boarding areas adapted for the disabled [more information].