Krakow Fast Tram, Krakow

Project description

Krakow Fast Tram – Stage IV is a double-track tram line connecting two existing tram lines in the northern part of Krakow, in District III Prądnik Czerwony and District XV Mistrzejowice. The total length of the tram line is 4.5 km, including 1.23 km of underground tunnel. The project has contributed to reducing road traffic and improving air quality in central Krakow, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by providing residents with alternative transport options.

Soletanche Polska scope of works

Soletanche Polska’s scope of works included the construction of diaphragm walls along the tram tunnel section and at the underground passenger stations – Rondo Polsadu and Rondo Młyńskie. The total length of the diaphragm walls constructed was approximately 2.5 km, with a maximum depth of 21 metres.

Project location:

Krakow, Poland

Investor:

City of Krakow

General Contractor:

Gülermak

Number of tracks:

2

Number of stops:

10

The diaphragm walls were designed to perform various functions. Primarily, they serve as the permanent lining of the underground tunnel and as permanent structural elements of the underground stations and their access points. In some locations, they also served as temporary retaining structures, securing the excavation during construction works.

The construction of Stage IV of the Krakow Fast Tram was a complex undertaking due to the location of the project within a residential area, in the immediate vicinity of numerous office buildings, shops and extensive transport infrastructure carrying heavy traffic.
Foundation works were carried out, among other locations, beneath the operational General Pilot Mateusz Iżycki Flyover, which significantly restricted the available headroom and thus the space required to safely operate large and heavy construction equipment. The clearance between ground level and the underside of the flyover girders was only 7 metres. In order to construct diaphragm walls 80 centimetres thick and up to 21 metres deep in this location, it was necessary to bring in specialised equipment from France and Germany.
Throughout the works, the flyover and nearby buildings were monitored using a specialised inclinometric monitoring system. This enabled continuous monitoring of the condition and behaviour of the structures, as well as the impact of the construction works on the surrounding infrastructure and its environment.

Technologies applied

diaphragm walls with temporary propping,
barrettes,
cut-off walls,
ground anchors.

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Explore the comprehensive offer of Soletanche Polska: markets, services, and foundation technologies for construction, infrastructure, industry, and environmental protection. It includes the full range of competencies required to deliver demanding geotechnical and foundation projects. Our approach enables flexible adjustment of the scope of works to the scale, nature, and specific conditions of each investment.

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