Junction Plzeň, Upgrade of the railway section Koterov – Lobzy

ended

The project addresses the upgrade of the double-track electrified railway line in the section between Plzeň-Koterov station and the Lobzy railyard from km 343.459 to km 347.308. The project forms part of the Global Project addressing the overall upgrade of the railway line Plzeň – Ceske Budejovice which is located on the pre-identified cross border link of the TEN-T comprehensive rail network (Plzeň – Ceske Budejovice - Vienna). Due to inadequate technical parameters and deteriorated condition, the mentioned railway line represents a bottleneck on the Czech railway network and the TEN-T comprehensive rail network (Plzeň – Ceske Budejovice - Vienna). Interventions for upgrading of the line are therefore necessary. The overall objectives of the project are the following: - to increase the maximum line speed from the current 90-110 km/h to 100-120 km/h (limited to 100 km/h until deployment of ETCS planned for 2026), - to ensure the required interoperability and technical parameters (i.e. 22.5 t axle load, D4 line load class and UIC GC spatial clearance, possibility of running trains with a length of 740 m), - to enhance safety of railway transport and passengers, - to ensure accessibility of railway transport for persons with reduced mobility. The overall objectives will be mainly achieved through the upgrade of the railway substructure and superstructure, construction of a new Plzeň-Slovany stop, reconstruction of one railway bridge, construction of one pedestrian overpass, construction of two new technological buildings, as well as installation of new interlocking and signalling equipment, catenary and other technology. The implementation of the project and achievement of its objectives will result in increased capacity of the railway line and shortening of travel times for passengers and freight. This will lead to increased transport volumes and modal shift, thus generating positive socio-economic benefits for the region and the Member State.