The reconstruction of the heating network as part of the Tram to Mistrzejowice project has been completed. All works were finished before the heating season began to avoid inconveniences for residents.
Gülermak, the company responsible for the Tram to Mistrzejowice project, completed the reconstruction of the heating network from Jana Pawła II Avenue to Rondo Młyńskie and the heating chambers at Bohomolca and Jancarza streets. Since the beginning of the tram line construction to Mistrzejowice, builders have modernized or rebuilt over 2500 meters of underground heating infrastructure.
The reconstruction works were carried out in stages. Due to the pipe welding technology used, each section had to be fully heated before backfilling the trench. Pipe welding is a process of joining pipes by heating their ends until they become plastic and then joining them to create a durable and tight joint. On Meissnera Street, it was necessary to weld two pipe segments with a total length of about 200 meters.
The smallest pipes used in the project had a diameter of just 150 mm, while the largest had a diameter of 1000 mm. These pipes were placed under sidewalks, bike paths, parking lots, and green areas. This arrangement not only facilitates access to the installation during repairs but also minimizes traffic disruptions during maintenance works. In case of repairs, it does not require disturbing the road surface, which minimizes traffic disruptions.
– A major challenge was to carry the pipes through the main street crossings. To minimize traffic disruptions, we created temporary crossings that ensured smooth traffic flow and allowed the continuation of works, – says Paweł Kos, sanitary works manager at Gülermak.
The reconstruction of the heating network was necessary due to conflicts with the diaphragm walls being built at the beginning of Meissnera Street and near Rondo Młyńskie, as well as due to its overlap with the planned tram line route. Additionally, modernization was necessary to adapt the underground networks to current technical standards and to provide residents with access to safe and durable infrastructure.
The works were carried out outside the heating season, which allowed avoiding interruptions in the supply of heat and hot water, – says Magdalena Nowak-Obrzut, Director of the Kraków City Roads Authority. Thanks to the cooperation with the network operator – the Municipal Heat Energy Company (MPEC) and our subcontractors, the works and inspections went smoothly and successfully, – emphasizes Paweł Kos.
