CZECH infrastructure manager SZ has started procurement for a contract to design the next section of the planned Prague – Brno high-speed line (VRT). The contract for VRT Vysočina II covers the 90 km from Světlá nad Sázavou to Velká Bíteš, where the line will descend on a branch to the centre of Jihlava. This will become the principal line between Prague and Brno and is also pivotal for connecting the administrative centre of Vysočina to the Czech high-speed network.
SZ says its procurement procedure is based on the best value method. Its principles are applied during the entire competition, including the evaluation of bids. The goal of this approach is to find a high-quality, independent and innovative supplier who can sensitively integrate the new railway into the landscape and at the same time deal with the complexity of the urban townscape in Jihlava.
VRT Vysočina II is part of the Prague – Brno – Ostrava high-speed line and connects with the VRT Střední Čechy and VRT Vysočina I sections. The project includes not only the building the new Světlá nad Sázavou – Velká Bíteš line, but also remodelling a junction at Jihlava and the upgrade of the existing line from Velké Meziříčí to Kozlova. All three components of the project will undergo separate environmental impact assessment.
SZ says the new high-speed line will ensure better and faster accessibility to Jihlava and increase capacity between Brno and Prague. The project is also in line with Jihlava’s intention to create a central transport hub at the current Jihlava Město station, which will involve construction of an additional platform as well as new connecting lines. Journey times of around 50 minutes to Prague and 40 minutes to Brno are forecast.
A second station at Jihlava with a park and ride facility on the high-speed line, is also planned. The contract for the design of this station will be tendered, but SZ says it will be co-ordinated with the VRT Vysočina II contract.
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