Poland Advances High-Speed Rail with Retkinia Chamber Completion

Poland has reached a major milestone in its rail infrastructure as CPK completed the Retkinia launching chamber in Łódź, preparing for excavation of the country’s longest high-speed rail tunnel in 2026. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The chamber measures over 180 meters in length and 23 meters in depth, featuring diaphragm walls that extend to 43.5 meters. Two underground levels will accommodate technical systems and the future track bed, ensuring structural stability and operational safety.

Excavation is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, and the Warsaw–Łódź section is expected to open in 2032. “Modern and sustainable transport demands innovative solutions, and Retkinia is key to this vision,” stated Piotr Rachwalski, CPK Board Member.

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Poland Builds Retkinia Chamber for High-Speed Tunnel

At the Fabryczna site, engineers are constructing the receiving chamber, where the tunnel boring machine will finish its journey. Budimex has built diaphragm walls 150 cm thick and excavated the chamber to a depth of 26 meters. Jet grouting separates the high-speed tunnel from the existing PKP PLK tunnel.

Reinforcement works near the Łódź Cultural Centre are also nearing completion. Crews have installed 1,400 micropiles and jet grouting columns to stabilize the soil under the historic structure. Steel bracing strengthens the northern wing, and dismantled sections are being rebuilt to maintain integrity.

Poland Plans Largest High-Speed Rail Network

The tunnel will stretch 4.6 kilometers with a 14-meter diameter, accommodating trains running at speeds up to 160 km/h. It will feature five underground evacuation points, technical walkways, and advanced fire safety systems for maximum security.

To protect nearby buildings, CPK commissioned Albraco to perform structural assessments along the route. The broader 480 km Y-line will link Warsaw, the new CPK airport, Łódź, Wrocław, and Poznań, with full completion scheduled by 2035.

This strategic investment underlines Poland’s commitment to modern, sustainable rail solutions, enhancing mobility and connectivity across the country and beyond.

Source: www.globalrailwayreview.com

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