Trains on the Louny - Lovosice Line Will Get Much Faster and Safer

12.06.2018

In these days, Správa železniční dopravní cesty starts revitalizing the line Louny – Lovosice, thus reacting to the transport concept’s requirement of the Ústí nad Labem Region. After the completion of all works, it will be possible to introduce on the line fast trains from Louny to the regional capital Ústí nad Labem which represents an important source of job opportunities. Investments amounting almost to CZK one billion will bring not only an increase in railway lines’ capacity almost by one half but especially reduced journey times of trains and higher railway operation safety.

After the revitalization’s completion, maximum line capacity will increase from 60 up to 100 kph which will result in considerably shorter journey times of trains from current 76 minutes down to 50 minutes. Transportation capacity will increase as well from current 37 up to 57 train connections per day. Trains will no longer cross each other on this single-track line at Koštice nad Ohří Station but newly at Radonice nad Ohří so that e.g. their long stay at Libochovice will be eliminated.

”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 fifty minutes can present an interesting alternative for many passengers“, says Mr. Petr Hofhanzl, Director of the Civil Engineering Administration West representing SŽDC as investor.

After the construction’s completion, 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 completed by 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. in the height of a railway car floor, will be built at Čížkovice and Libochovice Station, Railway stops Pátek, Křesín, Dubany and Libochovice město will be also reconstructed. All railway stations will acquire new roofing, lighting, a station radio and an information system for sightless passengers.

Since 30 May up to 19 October, construction works require line closures in the section Libochovice – Louny. The next stage should follow by closing operation between Lovosice and Libochovice since 20 October up to 7 December. The exact terms of closures will be specified in time; passenger will be duly informed by notices at stations and stops as well as on the carrier’s website.

Total expected investment costs of the construction reach up to CZK 1,231,186,000. Its is co-financed by the European structural and investment funds under the Operational Programme Transport 2014–2020. The EU contribution can reach up 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 works should be completed next August.

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