Belperpete
Established Member
- Joined
- 17 Aug 2018
- Messages
- 3,630
I was hoping to take a trip on this scenic byway in Prague this week, but according to the cd.cz website the Smichov to Zlicin section is closed until November 30 for "more extensive repair of the line. Maintaining the technical condition of the line. Increasing the safety of railway operations". Anyone know what they are doing?
The line was extensively upgraded only a few years ago, with new signalling, automatic barrier crossings (not just over roads, but footpaths too), stations refurbished, new platforms, trackwork, etc. I find it surprising that they need to close the line again, particularly for such a long period.
Is this to do with the rebuilding of Smichov station? This seems to be coming on apace - they are now fitting the escalators to the new overbridge. The country end of the track layout is due to be remodelled, which will eliminate the double reversal that the S65 trains have had to do, but they don't seem to have started that work yet. Trains are still running through from other destinations.
Unfortunately passenger numbers on the S65 line took a big hit when they cut the service back to start from Smichov, rather than hl Nadrazi, due to the condition of the river bridge and consequent singling of the track over it. So there won't be too many passengers affected by this protracted closure.
The line was extensively upgraded only a few years ago, with new signalling, automatic barrier crossings (not just over roads, but footpaths too), stations refurbished, new platforms, trackwork, etc. I find it surprising that they need to close the line again, particularly for such a long period.
Is this to do with the rebuilding of Smichov station? This seems to be coming on apace - they are now fitting the escalators to the new overbridge. The country end of the track layout is due to be remodelled, which will eliminate the double reversal that the S65 trains have had to do, but they don't seem to have started that work yet. Trains are still running through from other destinations.
Unfortunately passenger numbers on the S65 line took a big hit when they cut the service back to start from Smichov, rather than hl Nadrazi, due to the condition of the river bridge and consequent singling of the track over it. So there won't be too many passengers affected by this protracted closure.