Jihlava Rail Upgrade: 5-Month Disruption for Viaduct & Track Work

Passengers traveling through Jihlava, Czech Republic, should prepare for significant rail disruptions in 2027 as the local railway station undergoes extensive reconstruction. The project, slated to begin during the construction season, will involve the repair of a viaduct and the Veselí headhouse, necessitating a roughly five-month closure of traffic in the direction of Jihlava město.

Viaduct and Headhouse Reconstruction

The work centers around the Veselí headhouse and a viaduct on the line towards Veselí nad Lužnicí. According to Dušan Gavenda, a spokesperson for the Railway Administration, construction is planned for the 2027 season. During the main construction phase, traffic towards Jihlava město will be suspended for almost five months, with replacement bus service bridging the gap between stations. Shorter closures, lasting up to two weeks, are anticipated in the direction of Dobronín or Luka nad Jihlavou.

The primary issue prompting the reconstruction is the condition of switch No. 11 at the Veselí headhouse, which currently enforces reduced speeds. The project aims to increase the speed limit to 50 km/h on all tracks by replacing switches No. 11 and 12 with a crossover. This upgrade isn’t simply about speed; it’s a critical component of modernizing the railway infrastructure to ensure safer and more efficient operations.

Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrade

Beyond the headhouse and viaduct, the project encompasses a broader range of infrastructure improvements. Track reconstruction will occur in the direction of Jihlava město, alongside upgrades to two level crossings, including their security systems. The reconstruction will also include the replacement of signaling and interlocking equipment, parts of the traction line and high-voltage distribution systems. This holistic approach suggests a long-term investment in the reliability and capacity of the Jihlava rail network.

The viaduct reconstruction itself is a substantial undertaking. It will involve injecting pilings and supports, repairing arched load-bearing structures and parapet walls, demolishing existing cornices and portions of parapet walls, and reinforcing and expanding the load-bearing structure with an over-concrete reinforced concrete slab. The project also includes restoring waterproofing insulation and the entire bridge drainage system. New steel railings will be installed on new cornices, and traction line support columns will be mounted on new consoles. Upon completion, the viaduct will meet width requirements for a free bridge cross-section of 3.0 meters and the outline of the track bed.

Investment and Historical Context

The total investment for this comprehensive upgrade is estimated at 295 million Czech crowns. This figure reflects the scale and complexity of the work, encompassing not only the immediate repairs but also the modernization of critical railway systems.

This project follows a previous viaduct reconstruction in Jihlava, completed last year, which addressed issues on a bridge over the Jihlava River. The current work demonstrates a continued commitment to maintaining and improving the region’s railway infrastructure. The demolition of the historical dispatch building from 1887 to make way for a new terminal with commercial spaces further underscores the extent of the modernization efforts. While the station remains operational for now, passengers should anticipate at least a year-long closure during the main construction phase, with corresponding changes to transport arrangements.

Technical Details: The Veselí Headhouse and Crossover

The “Veselí headhouse” refers to a critical junction point where tracks converge and diverge. The existing switch No. 11 is a mechanical component that directs trains from one track to another. Its deteriorated condition necessitates a replacement with a more reliable and higher-speed capable system. A “crossover” is a section of track that allows trains to switch between parallel tracks. Replacing the two existing switches with a crossover simplifies the track layout, reduces maintenance requirements, and allows for greater operational flexibility.

The upgrade to signaling and interlocking equipment is also crucial. Signaling systems control train movements, preventing collisions and ensuring safe operation. Interlocking equipment ensures that signals and switches are coordinated, preventing conflicting movements. Modernizing these systems enhances safety, increases capacity, and allows for more efficient train control. The upgrade of the traction line and high-voltage distribution systems is essential for providing reliable power to the trains.

The planned speed increase to 50 km/h after the reconstruction is a significant improvement, allowing for faster and more efficient train travel. This speed increase, combined with the other infrastructure upgrades, will contribute to a more reliable and modern railway network in the Jihlava region.