A few weeks ago, we reported on the pouring of the foundation slab in the tunnel, and now finishing works are already underway there!
A week ago, we began laying granite flooring on level -1. Granite is an extremely durable material—it is resistant to scratches, wear, and moisture. Thanks to this, it will perform отлично in a space through which hundreds of people will pass every day.
The flooring will also be adapted to the needs of blind and visually impaired individuals thanks to textured surface markings in a contrasting black colour. The tiles will include guiding paths to help with navigation along designated routes, attention fields, and warning strips near potentially hazardous areas.
Each tile measures 60×30 centimeters and is 3 centimeters thick. The granite surface has been flame-treated, meaning it has undergone thermal processing, giving it a matte, anti-slip texture.
Currently, around 400 square meters have been laid, and ultimately about 4,500 square meters of granite will be installed throughout the tunnel—roughly equivalent to half of a football pitch!
Take a look at the photos below to see the progress of the finishing works.
The most difficult work is already behind us – the Mistrzejowice loop is ready for passengers!
A new, more modern loop
The newly rebuilt loop features modern infrastructure tailored to residents’ needs. It includes two layover/departure tracks, and trams will arrive from two directions—both from the old route, via Srebrnych Orłów Street, and from the new one, via Bohomolca Street.
In addition, a number of modern technical solutions have been implemented, such as ERS technology – a system of fastening rails in an elastic enclosure. This solution reduces vibrations and limits the noise generated by passing trams.
What have we been doing in recent weeks?
Although not everything is finished yet, the infrastructure has already been prepared so that public transport passengers can use the Mistrzejowice loop stop. The switch drives and control systems are ready, along with their heating systems, as well as the overhead contact line and tracks. Part of the loop has also been planted with greenery—there will be significantly more vegetation here than before!
What still needs to be done?
Even though the loop has been opened for tram traffic, final works are still ongoing. Soon, we will install passenger shelters, railings and fencing, as well as a staff facility building for MPK SA employees. We will also complete the retaining wall and lay asphalt on the service road.
The loop in numbers
On the loop area, we have:
1,200 meters of overhead contact line, including 80 meters of rigid catenary,
32 poles and 5 gantries supporting the overhead line,
1,013 meters of track,
179 prefabricated track slabs forming a stable and even surface for the tram tracks.
Technical inspections successfully completed!
Yesterday, a technical test run took place. After all inspections were successfully completed, we can officially announce – the Mistrzejowice loop is ready to welcome passengers!
Despite challenges (an extremely cold winter and as many as 104 unexploded ordnance items found during the works), the loop will be ready to welcome passengers on March 28.
We are currently carrying out the final, intensive works, during which trams cannot yet operate:
installing switch drives and control systems responsible for changing track directions,
installing switch heating systems to ensure reliable operation even in winter,
adjusting and completing the traction network that powers the trams,
carrying out track works – leveling the rails and the ground beneath them,
laying asphalt on the bicycle path.
We plan to complete these works by March 22. This will give us a few days for final inspections and technical tests before opening the loop to passengers.
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A new loop, new possibilities
Before reconstruction, the loop was significantly smaller and less green. Today, it is modern infrastructure adapted to the existing network and the needs of residents.
It has been designed to serve both directions – trams arriving from the existing line along Srebrnych Orłów Street and from the new line along Bohomolca Street. The loop now includes two stabling/departure tracks, where trams can wait before starting their route. In total, 1,013 meters of track have been installed.
Comprehensive reconstruction of the traction network
The tram loop’s traction network has been completely rebuilt – it is now entirely new and includes approximately 1.2 kilometers of installation, including 80 meters of so-called rigid overhead line. This solution was used because a high-voltage power line runs above the area, requiring a safe clearance distance. Such systems are typically used in locations with limited space.
Due to the presence of the high-voltage line, there was not enough space for a traditional suspended overhead system. Therefore, a more compact solution was used – a special rail with an integrated conductor, mounted closer to the supporting structure. This allowed the entire installation to fit while meeting all safety requirements.
What lies beneath the tracks?
A main water supply pipeline for Mistrzejowice has been expanded, and 20 meters of a new walk-through utility channel have been built – a tunnel that allows inspection and repair of pipelines without the need for excavation.
It was constructed from prefabricated elements, meaning ready-made concrete sections assembled on site. The existing utility channel beneath the tram tracks was also reinforced, ensuring the entire structure is strong and resistant to loads.
Greenery within the project
The entire loop is being landscaped with greenery, making it not only functional but also visually appealing. The area will feature silver birch, Norway maple, ornamental apple trees, and black pine. Ground-cover roses and tufted hair grass will complement the planting.
Thank you for your patience – see you at the stop on March 28!
Starting Tuesday, March 24, 2026, a new traffic organization will be introduced on Jancarza Street.
As part of the new arrangement, the entry to Jancarza Street from Parnickiego Street will be closed. Car traffic will be redirected via a detour along Wawelska Street.
We encourage you to review with the attached map. Please exercise caution, pay attention to signage, and take these changes into account during your daily commutes.
The last liters of concrete have been poured, and the tunnel structure to Mistrzejowice is now complete!
We have reached another milestone that brings us closer to delivering the project. The construction of the pumping station and the pouring of the base slab have been completed—we are on the home stretch!
10,000 cubic meters of concrete
“The tunnel is divided into eight sections, which we worked on in stages. To create the tunnel floor—the base slab—along its entire length, we used as much as 10,000 cubic meters of concrete,” says Piotr Szumowicz, Tunnel Works Manager on the KST-IV project. To give a sense of scale, that’s roughly the amount that would fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools.
To begin work on the final section of the base slab, we had to carry out a series of important earthworks and structural operations. First, we excavated the area and leveled the ground. Then we poured the first layer of concrete (blinding concrete), sealed all connections with the tunnel walls, and installed a special waterproof membrane. Finally, we reinforced the structure with steel rebar and poured the final layer of concrete.
On the very last section, we poured 270 cubic meters of concrete, thus completing the construction of the base slab. This marks the final stage of building the tunnel’s structural framework, allowing us to connect the two previously completed sections of track into one continuous line. By the end of March, the track throughout the entire tunnel area will be completed!
The lowest point of the tunnel
At the beginning of the year, we also completed the construction of the stormwater pumping station, located at the lowest point of the tunnel—up to 20 meters underground!
This element of infrastructure can hold over 300,000 liters of water and is crucial for the proper functioning of the entire tunnel structure. Rainwater, groundwater, and even moisture condensing on the walls naturally flow downward and collect at the lowest point. Unlike a road at ground level, water cannot drain by gravity from a tunnel located several meters below the surface, as it is surrounded by soil. The accumulation of water would pose a serious risk to the entire infrastructure, potentially causing failures and disruptions to tram operations.
The pumping station collects water from the entire facility and temporarily stores it in a special chamber. Pumps are then automatically activated, transferring the water into the municipal drainage system. This ensures efficient and safe operation of the tunnel regardless of weather conditions, as well as a comfortable journey for passengers.
Due to works being carried out on the active pedestrian and bicycle paths along Mogilska Street (in the area of the intersection with Lema Street), we kindly ask you to exercise particular caution when moving through this area.
In response to numerous questions regarding the opening date of the tram loop in Mistrzejowice, we would like to inform you that it will be available in the spring.
Our initial goal was to open the loop for passenger traffic in March. December forecasts predicted a mild winter, giving hope for smooth progress of the works. However, since December 20, weather conditions have significantly hindered the schedule. Low temperatures caused the ground to freeze to a depth of approximately 50 cm, making it impossible to carry out key installation works.
For the loop to operate safely and efficiently, the final technical works must be completed. These include, among others, the installation of control and turnout heating systems, adjustment of the overhead line network, and connection of the section along Jancarza Street.
We would like to remind you that the contractual deadline for completing the entire project is the end of the second quarter of this year.
Another month of construction on KST-4 is behind us!
Although January greeted us with exceptionally low temperatures, work has not slowed down!
For nearly two weeks, traffic on Meissnera Street has been running on the western carriageway, while demolition works have already begun on the eastern one. Although sub-zero temperatures have prevented us from carrying out road works, our engineers remain busy on other fronts. We are building stormwater and sanitary sewage systems, dismantling old surfaces, and carrying out earthworks and reinforced concrete works at the tunnel exits. In addition, a lot is also happening inside the tunnel, where, among other things, we are installing the track system.
We encourage you to watch the latest footage from the construction site and listen to Wojciech Janosz, our construction manager, who will give a detailed account of the activities carried out over the past month.
We would like to inform you that starting from Saturday, 13 December 2025, car traffic will return to Mogilska Street, Lema Street, and John Paul II Avenue. From the morning hours, the streets will be reopened and the entire section will be fully passable.
In addition, tram services will be restored at the Tauron Arena Kraków Wieczysta stop – great news for all residents, as the city is regaining its rhythm and daily travel will once again become fast, convenient, and hassle-free!
We would like to thank everyone for their understanding during the past months of intensive work, and at the same time we ask for continued caution in the construction area.
