Prague S65 "Semmering" line closed until November

[Belperpete]

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.

 

[Whisky Papa]

Apologies for missing your post at the time, I usually keep an eye out for all things Prague-related but happened to be away then. .

I've only just spotted the line's closure having just downloaded a new version of the diagramatic map from the transport authority PID's website and noticing the line was greyed-out.

The legend on the map lists various closures / diversions, and for the S65 'Semmering' line it translates as (my bold):

Trains S6 and S65:
Smíchov – Zlíchov/Jinonice
S6 trains shortened to the temporary stop Praha-Zlíchov,
S65 trains shortened to the stop Zličín
(modernization of the Praha-Smíchov station)

I've since noticed on tram and bus operator DPP's website that the road and tram routes just north of Praha-Smíchov will be closed 3rd-18th October (my bold again):

Due to the installation of a railway bridge, tram service will be temporarily suspended from Saturday 3 October 2026 (from approximately 00:00) to Sunday 18 October 2026 (until approximately 24:00) between Na Knížecí – Smíchovské nádraží.

This is on the line connecting Praha-Smíchov to the poorly river bridge at Výtoň. For those unaware, the tram and bus stops are named Smíchovské nádraží, ie "Smíchov station" as is the usual practice here.

I am actually visiting during that period, and coincidentally my previous visit in January saw the same section of road and tram line closed near the rail bridge, possibly preparatory works for this job. At least the tram lines south of the works will not be isolated this time, as the Dvorecký bridge has since opened and they can be reached from the line on the east bank of the river.

Links are to the appropriate sections of the websites mentioned, with relevant text quoted above.

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[AdamWW]

Apologies for missing your post at the time, I usually keep an eye out for all things Prague-related but happened to be away then. .

I've only just spotted the line's closure having just downloaded a new version of the diagramatic map from the transport authority PID's website and noticing the line was greyed-out.

The legend on the map lists various closures / diversions, and for the S65 'Semmering' line it translates as (my bold):

The KŽC weekend services that would normally use the Semmering line seem to be doing an interesting almost circular route during the closure.

I'm sure the modernisation of the station will be an improvement, but the unreconstructed version had a certain charm, particularly the "platform" in the middle of the Regiojet carriage yard (now gone, I believe) that the Semmering line trains used when they went as far as Hlavní nádraží.