After almost three years, the trams from Liberec will finally reach Jablonec

In less than three years, the track has changed beyond recognition in some places.

“The tracks on the entire line and the sewers were completely replaced and the switches were rebuilt,” described Ludvík Lavička, operational and technical director of the Transport Company of the Cities of Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou (DPMLJ).

“The track was partially rerouted, in some places it separated from road traffic, the service life of the sewage drain had to be extended, a footbridge and new bridging were built, new surfaces and signaling are being made,” he added.

The Railway Authority has already approved the company’s trial operation. “So driver training is already underway on the track with the aim of getting to know new sections. There are a total of 110 people trained by the lecturer. A new manual for operation on the intercity line was created on the topic,” added Martina Poršová, DPMLJ spokesperson.

Part of the modernization was also the construction of a unique joint crossing for the tram and railway line in Proseč nad Nisou. There is no such crossing in the Czech Republic yet, the one between Liberec and Jablonec is the very first.

“It is such a Czech rarity and it was done because Proseč will be a transfer point between the railway and the tram. There will also be a common platform,” explained Ludvík Lavička.

The modernization of the entire line was originally supposed to cost three quarters of a billion crowns. However, due to covid, inflation and the increase in the price of steel, the expenses eventually stopped at the figure of 893 million crowns.

According to DMPLJ employee Jiří Kopecký, who also helps out as a tram or bus driver, the new line enables faster driving.

“I’ve already walked on it four times. Newly, the curves on it are more inclined, so the ride is more nimble, you can drive faster, but of course we have to follow the prescribed speed, especially when entering switchbacks. Who knew it from before, it was partly through the forest, and now the track is open. It has the character of modern tracks,” Kopecký described.

The tracks for trams between Liberec and Jablonec have been changing for two and a half years

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