Trams are returning to the track to Jablonec, the journey will be two minutes faster | Transport | News | Liberec Gossip

The reconstruction began in the spring of 2022 and was eventually extended by several months, because it brought a whole series of complications. “A transport structure of such importance entails significant risks. The delay was caused by the war in Ukraine and the increase in the price of building materials and the impossibility of ordering them at all for a certain period of time. Of course, covid had a negative impact and we also faced problems with land purchases,” stated the chairman of the board of DPMLJ Michal Zdenek.

The construction was complicated by the purchase of the land

Probably the biggest delay was caused by a problem with the purchase of one of the plots. “There was one very complicated property relationship, the purchase of land, which did not go well for us for a long time and slowed us down for a few months, then it snowballed. But I have to say that I’m very happy that it finally worked out, it’s a successful project and the tram line will serve for decades,” he added.

The trams will finally start running on May 1st, still in trial operation. “From the first of May, it will normally serve the territory and carry passengers. A number of things will be adjusted, public transport is a living organism, so changes can occur,” added Zděnek.

Employees of the transport company are also preparing for the return of trams to the track in Jablonec. “We train a total of 110 employees. It’s not just tram drivers, but also dispatchers and train station workers who help with normal operations,” explained the transport director of the DPMLJ Martin Hettner.

According to him, the reason for the practice is that the track has changed a little. “The practice is taking place because the trajectory of the track has changed a little, the switchbacks have been moved,” he added.

According to him, both experienced drivers and new drivers learn. “During the closure, we also hired approximately twenty-five new tram drivers who go to Vratislavice, but have not yet been on this reconstructed section. These drivers have increased training and will have completed several shifts with a more experienced colleague after the start of operations.” stated

One of the drivers who has experience with the old line to Jablonec is, for example Jiří Kopecký. “Drivers are practicing by getting to know the entire track, switchbacks have changed, some have been added or moved. The track has got a modern fast kick, so the drivers have to get used to it.” zoomed in on the driver’s view.

Relaxing track, says the driver

The track to Jablonec is among the drivers’ favorites. “It’s definitely a relaxing track, you have to be alert in the city, the city traffic is so crowded and fast. Here, even though there are switchbacks and crossings and the timetable must be followed, the ride is still more comfortable, and above all, the environment seems calmer when you are driving in the forest.” he said.

The construction consisted of 128 buildings, another 20 were provided by ČEZ Distribuce and CETIN. “The tracks on the entire line were completely changed, the sewers, the switches were rebuilt. The track was partially rerouted, in some places it separated from road traffic, we tried to increase the radii of some curves. The service life of the sewage drain had to be extended, a footbridge and new bridging had to be built, new surfaces and signaling were made,” the operational technical director of DPMLJ listed the scope of work Ludvík Lavička.

According to him, a common crossing for trams and trains in Proseč is a rarity. “When the Railway Administration finishes it, a common platform will be created between the railway and the tram line. By getting close to the railway line, it was necessary to build a common crossing. It is the first time in the Czech Republic. It still has small flies. The rarity is that according to the new regulations, all crossings must be treated with barriers, so the tram runs with the barriers down.” described.

The new track now has a track gauge of 1435 millimeters, the same as in Liberec on the route from Lidové sady pod Ještěd, thanks to which the same trams can run there. “Passengers will recognize it, the ride will be calmer,” concluded Lavička.