Sprava zeleznic gets permission to modernize Otrokovice – Zlin line
However, territorial governance for the Zlin – Vizovice stretch complicates the preparation.
After years of delays, there has been a significant shift in plans to modernize and electrify the Otrokovice – Zlin – Vizovice line. The rail infrastructure manager Sprava zeleznic has obtained a final zoning permit for the Otrokovice – Zlin stretch. The stretch will be double-tracked and AC electrified.
Building permit documentation is now being prepared for the entire line; construction should start in 2024 with completion five years later. Originally, the construction was supposed to start last year but got complicated by territorial governance for the Zlin – Vizovice stretch.
The 25-kilometer-long stretch will be double-tracked between Zlin-stred and Otrokovice stations. Both of these stations will undergo complete reconstruction including new platforms, underpasses and new station buildings. After the stretch is modernized, maximum speed will increase from 60 to 100 km/h.
However, territorial governance for the Zlin – Vizovice stretch complicates the preparation. The project has to be redesigned due to a problematic level crossing. The rail infrastructure manager has to update the territorial governance documentation and submit a new application, with intention to do so mid-year.
A new passing siding will help increase traffic capacity between Zlin and Vizovice, while Vizovice station will undergo modernisation. A new train/bus transfer terminal will be built in Vizovice.
A total of three level crossings will be replaced by grade-separated interchanges and a roughly 200 m long tunnel in Kvitkovice. After completion, 21 barrier crossings will remain on the reconstructed stretch.