The exchange of tracks on Mala Strana will end in April | PRAGUE | News
The passage through Malá Strana in Prague 1 was closed by the repair of the tram line. The transport company divided the replacement of the tracks, which should be completed before the beginning of the tourist season, into three stages. The first one is now taking place in Letenská street – from the intersection with Klárov to the Ministry of Finance building.
“When they actually pave the track from the center, they will be able to go to the opposite track, which leads towards Malostranské náměstí and the other stages, which are then in Karmelitská Street and Újezd Street,” said Jan Šurovský, technical director of Dopravní Podnik hl. city of Prague.
Four kilometers of original tracks have been in use in Letenská street since 1995, i.e. 28 years. According to the transport company, their service life is over and repair is necessary.
“Here you can actually see how much iron has disappeared during the operation and that there is very little left. This can be seen here, for example,” said Jan Šurovský, technical director of the Prague Transport Company.
During the repairs, drivers can use detour routes that lead across Smetana embankment on the other side of the river. An alternative bus service is also available. However, according to the town hall of the first district, the predicted collapse of traffic is not yet imminent.
“The closure of Malá Strana is of course a serious interference with traffic in the city center, but it is true that most drivers respect the detour routes. So, at least for now, it appears that it is not so dramatic, we will of course see the following developments,” described Terezie Radoměřská, mayor of the Prague 1 municipality.
“I’m surprised how perfectly the traffic is organized, because it’s really a joy to look at it. I especially want to thank everyone. To thank all the motorists who really chose a different path, a different path,” said Vojtěch Ryvola (Naše Prague 1), councilor of the Municipal Council of Prague 1.
The first stage of the replacement of the rails here in Letenská Street will be completed on February 16. However, it will be completely finished on April 1, when the trams will start running here again.