23/05/25
Soletanche Poland is carrying out key foundation and geotechnical works as part of the project entitled “Works on the main passenger railway corridors (E30 and E65) in the Silesia region, Stage I: the E65 line on the section Będzin – Katowice Szopienice Południowe – Katowice – Katowice Piotrowice”. The investor is PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A., and the general contractor is TORPOL.
– The implementation of our scope of work is already at a very advanced stage – we have completed around 95% of the total. We are finishing the main phase of works, and only finishing works remain – trimming pile heads, cleaning, surface levelling and aesthetic finishing, – says Anna Szafrańska-Angelaki, Project Manager at Soletanche Polska, and adds:We are proud to take part in this investment, which is of strategic importance for the entire region. This is another railway project we are carrying out in cooperation with TORPOL – previously, we worked together on the construction of a grade-separated crossing in Kościan.
Key objectives of the investment
The modernisation project of railway lines E30 and E65 in the Silesia region is co-financed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The investment aims not only to improve passenger comfort, but also to increase the efficiency and safety of rail transport in the region.
The reconstruction of the Katowice Szopienice Południowe – Katowice – Katowice Piotrowice route will significantly improve rail accessibility within the metropolitan area. Three new stops will be built: Katowice Uniwersytet, Katowice Akademia, and Katowice Kokociniec – all adapted to the needs of persons with reduced mobility and equipped with lifts, shelters, lighting, a passenger information system, and bicycle stands. The Katowice Brynów stop will be relocated closer to the city centre.
The modernisation will also include the stations Katowice Szopienice Południowe, Zawodzie, Katowice, and Ligota. The project includes the construction of 22 km of new tracks, the reconstruction of 96 km of tracks, the replacement of 133 km of overhead catenary system, more than 260 turnouts, and the modernisation of 140 engineering structures. A new traffic control centre will also be established in Katowice.
Geotechnical works
Soletanche Poland is responsible for preparing the detailed design and carrying out construction works related to the installation of railway traffic control equipment, railway telecommunications systems, and the dynamic passenger information system on the section Katowice Szopienice Południowe – Katowice – Katowice Piotrowice. The above-mentioned Section III of the investment covers the part from kilometre 318+150.00 of railway line no. 1 to kilometre 2+700.00 of railway line no. 139.
Soletanche Poland is constructing foundations for three new railway viaducts – WK11, WK12 and WK13 – as well as retaining walls leading up to these viaducts. Two key foundation technologies are being used as part of the works: diaphragm walls and barrettes, ensuring the durability and stability of the entire structure.
– The stability of retaining walls working in a cantilever system under significant surcharge loads is possible thanks to the construction of diaphragm wall sections in the form of T-shaped ribs. This type of solution requires a high level of precision from our team – especially during the installation of reinforcement cages and connecting them using a large number of tension bars, – explains Tomasz Załuski, Site Manager at Soletanche Poland.
An additional challenge is an active high-voltage power line cutting the construction site in half. Works in its immediate vicinity can only be carried out during special shutdowns obtained specifically for this purpose.
– Despite demanding conditions, including working near an active high-voltage line, our team is delivering the schedule with impressive productivity of up to two diaphragm wall panels per day, each with a volume of 120–200 cubic metres of concrete. This is the result of careful planning, the experience of our staff, and excellent cooperation with the general contractor and suppliers, – adds Katarzyna Mokrzycka, Site Manager at Soletanche Poland.
Experience supported by completed projects
Soletanche Poland actively participates in the implementation of the most important infrastructure investments in Poland. The most significant include: the modernisation of Warszawa Zachodnia Station – the largest transport hub in the country, the construction of the High-Speed Rail Tunnel and the Cross-City Tunnel in Łódź, the modernisation of the E65 railway line Warsaw – Gdynia (Ciechanów Local Control Centre), as well as the construction of railway viaducts in Września near Poznań.
– By combining many years of experience, specialist knowledge, and innovative technological solutions, we deliver foundations for investments that shape the future of Polish railways. We are proud to support the development of infrastructure in regions that are crucial for mobility and the economy of the entire country, – concludes Anna Szafrańska-Angelaki, Project Manager at Soletanche Poland.
