Charakteristika
The Plzeň–Domažlice–German border railway line is currently undergoing preparations for a comprehensive modernization project designed to secure aan important cross-border connection between the Plzeň Region and the entire Czech Republic and Bavaria. It is also part of the major Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). The key technical requirements for the modernization of this line include increasing speed, expanding capacity, and electrifying the line.
As we can see from the map, two parallel tracks are planned from Plzeň to Stod. The first one involves a complete realignment along an entirely new route, while the second one focuses on maintaining the existing route through Vejprnice and Nýřany, as it is crucial for connecting densely populated areas with the regional capital. This section of track is also important for freight transport, which primarily serves the container terminal near Nýřany.
Among the main shortcomings of the line has been the absence of traction line. Several railway bridges also create width restrictions for road traffic. The platforms are in poor condition, and access to them is currently only possible at level, i.e., by crossing the tracks. Many railroad crossings also require reconstruction, as their current layout does not allow safe pedestrian crossing. The solution of the current situation is a comprehensive modernization of the line. The length of the modernized section is more than 12 km. The project includes the reconstruction of the Vejprnice and Nýřany railway stations and the relocation of the Tlučná stop.
The construction site is located near the intersection with Regensburská Street in the Plzeň-Skvrňany area. The bridge over Prostřední Street in the village of Vejprnice will receive a new supporting structure that will no longer cause traffic restrictions on the road. The entire section of the line will be fully electrified. Electric locomotives, unlike diesel ones, are more quiet and produce no local emissions.
The Vejprnice railway station will undergo major construction work. Two new outdoor platforms are planned for the station. The upgraded access road will include a P+R parking lot. The existing underpass beneath the tracks will be fitted with a new support structure with a clear width of 3 meters and will be equipped with a staircase providing access to the platforms. The railroad crossing on Tyršova Street will be reconstructed, and new 2-meter-wide sidewalks will be built on both sides. The bridge on Podmostní Street will be completely rebuilt. The new bridge layout will allow the road it spans to be widened to two lanes, and the clearance height will also be increased.
In Tlučná, two railroad crossings will be reconstructed. Adjacent sections of the road will also be modified and will be supplemented with sidewalks. The Tlučná stop will be moved to the opposite side of the above mentioned pair of crossings. The stop will include a shelter and appropriate street furniture. The level railway crossing under the overpass on Road II/180 will be replaced by a safe underpass. The railroad crossing on Havířská Street will be removed, and a new underpass will be built in its place. The project also includes a pedestrian path that will connect Sulkovská and Havířská Streets and continue along the tracks to the Nýřany railway station. The station will be equipped with brand-new exterior and island platforms. These will be connected by an underpass, accessible not only via stairs but also via elevators to enable a barrier-free access. A new loading area will be created near the western end of the station, where a Czech Railways fueling station will be built to replace the existing one, which has been decommissioned. The railroad crossing on Revoluční Street will undergo reconstruction and will be equipped with sidewalks on both sides.
No noise barriers are proposed for the entire section presented, as an acoustic study indicates that noise levels will decrease compared to current conditions following the track modernization, and noise limits will not be exceeded. Additionally, the bridge over Šulová Street and the bridge over the Vejprnický Stream will undergo structural modifications. The railroad crossing on the local road leading to the Humboldtka area will also be reconstructed. On the remaining section of the track, two more bridges will be rebuilt, and the existing slopes will be reinforced. The section presented ends before the village of Zbůch. Further modifications to the line in the direction of Domažlice are part of the subsequent Phase 1 of the Plzeň–Domažlice project, which follows a new route.
The modernization of this section will enable comfortable commuter travel by train and improve transport access to the container terminal near Nýřany. The line speed will increase from the current 80–100 km/h to 125–145 km/h. In the final state, this will result in shorter travel times (e.g., an express train will travel through the section in question in 9 minutes instead of the current 12).
Improved crossings and new underpasses will ensure safer railway crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. The renovation of both stations and one stop will provide barrier-free and safe access to trains. The implementation of this project will increase interest in rail travel and improve transportation access to the regional capital of Plzeň.
