Správa železniční dopravní cesty has started to overhaul the Louny-Lovosice line, thus responding to the transport design requirements of the Ústí nad Labem Region. After completion of all the work, it will be possible to introduce fast trains on the line from Louny to the regional capital Ústí nad Labem which represents an important source of job opportunities. Investments amounting to almost CZK one billion will bring not only an increase in railway line capacity by almost half, but will in particular reduce journey times and increase railway operation safety.
After completion of the overhaul, maximum line capacity will increase from 60 to 100 kph which will result in considerably shorter journey times from 76 minutes down to 50 minutes. Transportation capacity will increase as well from 37 to 57 train connections per day. Trains will no longer cross each other on this single-track line at Koštice nad Ohří Station but henceforth at Radonice nad Ohří so that their long stay at Libochovice will no longer be needed.
“From reducing journey times, we expect especially higher competitiveness compared to bus transport. The fastest bus can cover the journey from Louny to Lovosice in one hour so that the railway with its journey time of 50 minutes can present an interesting alternative for many passengers”, said Mr Petr Hofhanzl, Director of the Civil Engineering Administration West representing SŽDC as an investor.
After the construction is complete, trains will no longer have to slow down before railway crossings which will be made much safer by the reconstruction. 26 level crossings will be modified, some of them will acquire a new surface, others will be completed with warning lights and barriers. Another important safety component will be the construction of a new signalling and safety installation with remote control from the traffic control centre at Lovosice Station.
Railway stations on the line will undergo changes as well. For instance, Koštice nad Ohří Station will change to a railway stop, new barrier-free platforms with a boarding edge 550 mm above the body of the rail, i.e. at the height of a railway car floor, will be built at Čížkovice and Libochovice Station. Pátek, Křesín, Dubany and Libochovice město railway stops will also be reconstructed. All railway stations will acquire new roofing, lighting, a station radio and an information system for sight-impaired passengers.
From 30 May to 19 October, construction works require line closures on the section between Libochovice-Louny. The next stage should follow by stopping operations between Lovosice and Libochovice from 20 October to 7 December. The exact terms of closures will be specified in time; passengers will be duly informed by notices at stations and stops as well as on the carrier’s website.
The total expected investment costs of the construction amount to CZK 1,231,186,000. The work is beingco-financed by the European structural and investment funds under the Operational Programme Transport 2014–2020. The EU contribution can amount to CZK 974,365,453. National financing is provided by the State Fund for Transport Infrastructure. The winner of the tender for suppliers was the company Společnost Louny – Lovosice, having as members STRABAG Rail, AŽD Praha and Swietelsky Rail CZ. All work should be completed by next August.
(Source: SZDC)
