New stops and platforms, clear passenger information, infrastructure adapted to the needs of people with reduced mobility – PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. have completed the modernization of railway line No. 356 on the Poznań Wschód – Gołańcz section. Not only passengers and carriers, but even drivers will benefit from it.
Railway line No. 356, with a total length of 127.8 km, connects the Poznań Główny station with the Bydgoszcz Główna station. The first stage of modernization was carried out on the 52 km long section between Poznań Główny and Wągrowiec. Traveling this route is a popular and frequently used mode of transport by the residents of Greater Poland. It is chosen by people traveling daily to schools, universities, or work.
Thanks to the investment, the Wągrowiec station, among others, has undergone a metamorphosis. From September, travelers will be able to use more comfortable, 200-meter platforms equipped with shelters with benches, clear signage, bright lighting, and clocks. A dynamic information system will provide constant access to the current train timetable. PLK has also taken care of the needs of people with reduced mobility. As part of the project, the underpass under the tracks was modernized, and elevators and ramps allow for easy movement between platforms. In order to raise the technical standards of the line, five turnouts and the existing track surface within the Wągrowiec station area were replaced.
As part of the modernization, new railway stops were built in the towns of Przebędowo and Łopuchowo Osiedle. Functional platforms with full equipment, i.e., shelters, benches, lighting, information boards, and ramps, will ensure comfort not only for disabled people but also for other travelers. In the towns of Koziegłowy, Owińska, Murowana Goślina, Łopuchowo, Sława Wielkopolska, Skoki, and Roszkowo, automatic level crossing signaling has been installed, which will significantly improve the safety of travelers and drivers.
Thanks to the modernization, travel safety on the upgraded route has improved. Passengers have gained greater travel comfort thanks to the construction of additional stops and platforms. The journey on the 52 km long route has been shortened by half an hour, and trains can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. Ultimately, regional, passenger, and freight trains will be able to run on the line, which will contribute to improving the quality of services provided and increase the availability of rolling stock.
The total value of the project amounted to 26,732,785.00 PLN. The amount of co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund is 20,851,572.30 PLN. The project “Modernization of railway line No. 356 Poznań Wschód – Bydgoszcz in the Greater Poland Voivodeship, which is of great importance in serving connections between small towns and the Poznań agglomeration, on the Poznań Wschód – Gołańcz section – Stage IA” is co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund under the Greater Poland Regional Operational Program for 2007-2013.