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More finishing works in the tunnel completed!

In recent days, we have finished installing one of the two elevators intended for emergency services. We now have three passenger elevators ready, and at the same time we are working on installing two more at the exits toward Lublańska Street and Młyńska Street. In total, there will be seven passenger elevators at the tunnel exits.

Work on installing the escalators is also progressing. Recently, we installed the escalators at Rondo Polsad, and we are now working on the final set at the exit located at the corner of Promienistych Street and Lublańska Street. Escalators are located at four of the seven tunnel exits — on both sides of Młyńska Street and Lublańska Street.

How will movement inside the tunnel work?

The circulation system has been designed to be accessible to all residents. In addition to fixed and moving staircases, the design includes as many as seven passenger elevators — two at Lublańska Street, two at Młyńska Street, and elevators at the Polsad Roundabout and Młyńskie Roundabout stops. Two of them are adapted for use by emergency and fire services — they are located to ensure quick access to both platforms of the stop.

How is an elevator installed?

Installing an external elevator is a multi‑stage process that begins with constructing a monolithic reinforced‑concrete load‑bearing structure, permanently connected to the tunnel structure. Next, a steel roof structure is installed, consisting of beams and girders mounted on the upper part of the main structure. The following stage is the installation of the elevator itself, including the cabin, guide rails, doors on each level, control cabinet, motor, and machine room. Finally, finishing and sealing works are carried out — installing glass panels on the walls and roof, as well as sheet‑metal cladding that protects the entire structure from water and wind.

Step by step, the tunnel is getting ready to welcome passengers.

Take a look at the photos below!

Attention Residents!

Tomorrow, starting from 8:00 AM, we will be carrying out bituminous works — laying the wearing course on Meissnera Street. The works will take place on the section from Aleja Jana Pawła II to Rondo Młyńskie. Traffic disruptions should be expected.

Pedestrian crossings will be closed alternately as the works progress, and pedestrians will be directed to nearby crossings. Traffic will be managed by designated personnel.

Drivers will also experience difficulties. During the asphalt‑laying process, access to Łąkowa Street and Ugorek Street will be temporarily restricted, alternating between the two. We also remind you that access to Pszona Street will be closed between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Entry to the estate will be possible via Fiołkowa Street (the barrier currently blocking passage will be opened). Traffic controllers will also be present in these areas.

The disruptions are planned to last until 4:00 PM. Please exercise extra caution — traffic is taking place within an active construction zone.

Attention Residents!

Tomorrow, May 22, in the evening hours (around 8:00 PM), we will introduce a new traffic organization on Meissnera Street, where the eastern carriageway will be opened to car traffic.

The ban on driving straight through between Pszona Street and Chałupnika Street will remain in place. There are two turnarounds available: one near the church on Meissnera Street (for drivers heading toward Pszona Street) and another near Meissnera 6 — for drivers exiting Pszona Street. We remind you that this is the final, permanent layout.

The exit from Ugorek Street remains unchanged — all directions are available.

From Łąkowa Street, a ban on driving straight into Śliczna Street will be introduced — drivers will be required to turn right. Near Meissnera 17, there is a turnaround for drivers traveling from Łąkowa Street toward Aleja Jana Pawła II. Only half of the crossing will be closed, so it will still be possible to drive straight or turn right toward Aleja Jana Pawła II from Śliczna Street.

Please exercise caution.

At the beginning of the week, we once again opened Dobrego Pasterza Street to traffic on the section from Rondo Barei toward Aleja 29 Listopada.

The closed fragment, approximately 150 meters long, underwent a comprehensive reconstruction. We completed the works on Sunday, and already on Monday, May 11, traffic was restored.

On Wednesday, May 13, we opened Rondo Polsadu to circular traffic. In recent days, we have been finishing network works and restoring the pavement structure. Drivers now have one lane available, and until June 20 we will continue finishing works related to giving the roundabout its final shape.

Significant changes have also taken place at Rondo Młyńskie. This week, we carried out pavement works in the southeastern part of the roundabout, and today we have already restored circular traffic there and opened the second carriageway of Pilotów Street for cars.

We are also carrying out pavement works in other locations. On Aleja Jana Pawła II and Meissnera Street — at the entrances to Łąkowa, Ugorek and Pszona streets — we completed bituminous works. Meanwhile, on the section of Bohomolca and Jancarza streets between the Oświecenia estate and Marchołta Street, we rebuilt the entire pavement structure along with the bituminous layer on the central lane.

Progress concerns not only roads for drivers. We are also intensively working on cycling infrastructure — this week we prepared the pavement structure on Meissnera Street and began bituminous works. We also installed acoustic screen infill on Meissnera Street, Aleja Jana Pawła II and in the area of Rondo Polsadu.

We remind you that next week we are planning further openings, in line with the schedule published in recent weeks. We encourage you to follow our profile to stay up to date with the progress of the works!

On Friday (15 May), a new traffic organization will be introduced in the area of the intersection of Pilotów, Młyńska, and Meissnera streets.

The second carriageway of Pilotów Street will be opened to drivers, and roundabout traffic will be restored at Rondo Młyńskie.

Below, we provide an illustrative map of the planned changes. Please exercise particular caution in the vicinity of the construction site.

A tunnel is like a complex organism that needs to “breathe” and function efficiently every day.
That’s why installation and finishing works are such an important stage of the project — they often remain invisible to passengers, yet they directly affect their comfort and safety. In recent weeks, we have made significant progress in two key areas: the ventilation plant and the sanitary rooms.

Powerful lungs of the tunnel

The tunnel ventilation system can be compared to lungs — it operates continuously, adapting to current conditions. It works in two main modes: everyday operation and fire mode. In everyday mode, its task is to ensure proper air quality for passengers on the stations and inside the tunnel. The system constantly monitors the levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NO), as well as visibility.

Interestingly, under normal conditions, a large part of the ventilation happens naturally. A tram entering the tunnel acts like a piston in a syringe — pushing air forward and drawing in fresh air behind it. This phenomenon, known as the piston effect, supports the entire system and improves its efficiency.

In emergency situations, the fire mode is activated — a system designed for special tasks. When smoke is detected, high‑power jet fans create a directional airflow that pushes smoke out of the tunnel and evacuation routes. This allows passengers to leave the danger zone safely and gives rescue teams better visibility and working conditions.

The numbers are impressive. The tunnel is equipped with 12 jet fans, each weighing around one ton — as much as a small car suspended from the ceiling. A single fan can move approximately 98,000 m³ of air per hour. The stations and tunnel are also equipped with an extensive network of ventilation ducts whose total length rivals the height of the tallest buildings. Additionally, the smoke‑extraction fans at Rondo Polsadu station can remove up to 32,000 m³ of smoke per hour.

The safety system operates automatically, responding to signals from fire detectors or commands from the control room. In case of danger, the affected zone is isolated by closing fire dampers. At the same time, overpressure is generated in stairwells and lift shafts to prevent smoke from entering evacuation routes. Smoke‑extraction fans are activated simultaneously to remove smoke from the endangered area.

The ventilation plant is therefore a key element of the tunnel infrastructure — the central hub for managing air and safety. All devices are continuously monitored, allowing quick detection of any faults and ensuring uninterrupted system operation.

A wide range of works

We have completed the main installation works in the ventilation plant. This is where the heart of the system responsible for air exchange in the tunnel is located. The installed air‑handling unit filters the air, heats or cools it, and provides supply and exhaust ventilation. Thanks to this, proper conditions can be maintained both in the tunnel and on the stations.

At the same time, we equipped the evacuation staircases with air‑supply units — crucial fire‑safety devices. In an emergency, they provide fresh air from outside and create overpressure that prevents smoke from entering evacuation routes. The system is complemented by fire dampers, which automatically close during a fire, limiting the spread of smoke and flames through the ventilation ducts. All of this is supported by extensive duct networks that transport air throughout the facility. In the coming weeks, we will connect the installations to power and begin initial start‑ups and testing.

Works also included the sanitary rooms. We have completed the main installation and finishing works there, including water and sewage systems. We prepared connections for washbasins, toilets and showers, and installed hot and cold water systems. Pressure tests confirmed that the system is leak‑free and functioning correctly. The next stage will be the so‑called “white assembly,” meaning the installation of visible fixtures and sanitary equipment.

At Gülermak, we believe that building a city is not only about delivering infrastructure projects, but also about educating and inspiring the youngest members of our community.

That’s why, as the contractor of the tram line to Mistrzejowice, we have been running the educational workshops “Little Champions – by tram to Mistrzejowice” for the past three years. Children from kindergartens and primary schools in Kraków take part in the program. Since 2023, we have had the pleasure of hosting 52 groups from the areas of Prądnik Czerwony and Mistrzejowice. This means that over 950 young residents of Kraków have had the chance to learn about the city’s largest ongoing transport investment and discover what an engineer’s work looks like.

We have just completed the second workshop of this year’s series!
On Wednesday, 6 May, we welcomed a group of children from the Municipal Kindergarten No. 65 “Perełka”. During the workshop, we introduced them to the world of construction and showed how the infrastructure they will use in the future is created. As on any real construction site, we began with safety rules and protective equipment — there were helmets, reflective vests and work boots. The children also learned about the professions involved in construction and the machines used on the project.

The biggest excitement? Of course — hands‑on experience!
In the next part of the workshop, the children became little engineers. Together, they built a model of the tram route under the supervision of a “site manager” chosen from among the group.

We are delighted to spark curiosity in the youngest and show them what it means to build a modern Kraków.
More workshop sessions are already in the pipeline!

Dear Residents,

Over the next two days (7–8 May), bituminous works will be carried out on Pilotów Street. The pedestrian crossing near the music school will be closed — please use the crossing at Żwirki i Wigury Street.

The exit from Bajana Street will also be closed. Drivers are asked to use Żwirki i Wigury Street instead.

Please review the attached map and exercise extra caution near the work area.

Dear Residents,

Starting Friday (24 April 2026), a change in traffic layout will be introduced at Rondo Polsadu along Bora‑Komorowskiego Avenue. The modification is shown on the map below.

Please exercise caution.

On Tuesday, 21 April, the construction site of the tram line to Mistrzejowice was visited by the Mayor of Kraków, Aleksander Miszalski.

The visit was an opportunity to review the progress of works inside the tunnel. Finishing works are currently underway, including the installation of platform infrastructure and technical elements, and their effects are becoming increasingly visible. As key stages near completion, the final appearance of the passenger platform is taking shape.

What is the current level of progress in the tunnel?

On level -1, work is underway on laying granite flooring. In total, more than 4,500 m² of granite slabs will be installed. This material performs exceptionally well in high‑traffic public spaces due to its durability and resistance to scratches, abrasion, and moisture. Thermal treatment gives it a matte, non‑slip surface. The flooring will also be adapted to the needs of blind and visually impaired users through the use of tactile guidance elements. Approximately 5% of the flooring has been completed so far.

On the same level, the installation of ceiling cladding has already been completed. Two solutions were used in the design: a spray‑applied acoustic ceiling and dark‑coloured mineral wool panels. Their purpose is to improve the acoustics of the space by reducing noise from passing trams and ensuring suitable conditions for sound systems.

Advanced finishing works on the tunnel walls are also in progress. The walls are being clad with fibre‑cement panels arranged in a staggered pattern, creating an interesting geometric effect. Triangular accents in shades of grey and terracotta will be added at the joints. This solution not only gives the space a modern character but also helps dampen noise generated by tram traffic. Currently, 15% of the wall cladding has been installed. In total, around 5,000 m² of this material will be used. On the remaining 85% of the walls, parts of the supporting substructure have already been completed.