A project to modernise 18.7 km of railway track between Púchov and Považská Teplá in Slovakia will make it possible for trains to travel up to 160 km/h. The upgrade consists in 15% reduction of the rail tracks to 15.9km and includes two tunnels and three major bridges. This will mean quicker journeys for those travelling between Púchov and Žilina. Two railway stations at Považská Teplá and Považská Bystrica will also be modernised as part of the scheme. The project contributes to the construction and upgrading of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and its corridors, several of which pass through Slovakia.
- 05 June 2019
Work to be carried on out on a section between Púchov and Považská Bystrica includes the construction of a new train stop at Nosice complete with two, 250 m-long platforms (the original train stop will be removed from service). New railway bridges will be built over the Nosice channel (379 m in length), the river Váh (288 m), and the Nosice Dam (589 m). In addition, two new tunnels will be constructed at Diel (length of 1 082 m) and Milochov (length of 1 861 m) as well as a new pedestrian bridge over the Nosice canal.
Modernisation of the section of railway between Považská Bystrica and Považská Teplá covers the removal of a level crossing and replacing it with a new overpass, as well as construction of new line block signalling between Považská Bystrica and Plevník-Drienové.
Both sections will see the installation of a new catenary system that meets the requirements of the ŽSR railway network and that can cope with train speeds of up to 160 km/h. Structural modifications of existing roads or construction of new roads are included in the scheme, as is the construction of noise barriers.
Upgrading Považská Bystrica railway station will include changes to its horizontal and vertical alignment to allow trains with increased speeds to pass through. The station will maintain all its current basic functions, including management of succession trains, train dispatches, the loading and unloading of goods, and connections to sidings. Other proposed modifications at this station will provide: passing tracks of least 750 m in length; a side platform at platform no. 3; and an island platform with grade-separated access between tracks no. 4 and 8. In addition, one platform will have underpass access.
Modernisation of the railway station at Považská Teplá will cover the construction of new platforms and two new side platforms, building an underpass for pedestrians, and the installation of new line block signalling. The work carried out will re-qualify this station as a stop for trains.
A new telecommunications system, including digital data transmission, will also be provided as part of the project between Púchov and Považská Bystrica.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “ŽSR (Railways of the Slovak Republic), Modernisation of the Púchov – Žilina railway line for speeds up to 160 km/h – Stage I (Púchov – Považská Teplá section)” is EUR 471 037 403, with the EU’s Cohesion Fund contributing EUR 285 475 667 through the “Integrated Infrastructure” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Railway infrastructure (TEN-T CORE) and renewal of mobile resources”.