Halcrow is the lead member of a team undertaking a feasibility study for the upgrade of Poland’s E65 railway.
The aim of the project is to provide a high-speed railway between Warsaw and the Czech Republic and Slovakian boarders, via Krakow and Katowice.
The E65 railway in southern Poland forms part of the pan-European transport corridor VI, connecting the Baltic States with southern Europe. Proposed upgrades to the southern section of the line will improve safety and allow faster trains to use the route.
This 500km route transverses very varied terrain including open plains, mountains and areas damaged by mining, which all present very different challenges in order to upgrade the line for high speed rail. The three year study involves a wide variety of expertise, including assessment of existing infrastructure, alignment planning, business analysis, environmental impact assessment, surveys, funding and financing support, preliminary design for infrastructure and systems, and preparation of tender documents.
This is the first project of its type in Poland, and, when complete, will increase the competitiveness of Polish railways compared to other means of transport, as well as supporting rail development as a safe and environmentally friendly transport system