Warsaw West has been enriched with a brand-new platform on the edge of the part of the station that is being rebuilt. At the same time, work is underway on the construction of an underground tunnel, canopy and station hall. Recently, however, railroad stations have become associated with a completely new function - the first aid station for refugees arriving from Ukraine. How has this situation affected the construction and operation of the station?
Since March 13, three recently rebuilt platforms have been in operation at the Warszawa Zachodnia station. The eighth platform is a completely new construction, which will expand the capacity of the West station. Along with it, the tracks, catenary network and traffic control devices responsible for safe service of connections were built. Trains will depart from the new platform in the direction of Warsaw Central and Lodz. Platform No. 8, like the two already operational new platforms Nos. 6 and 7, is 400 meters long and is under a wide canopy.
Travelers at the construction site
photo by Martyn Jandula / PKP PLK
Other parts of the station are being gradually opened to travelers. However, the functioning of the station, which is de facto a construction site, causes many problems. Travelers are forced to use many inconvenient passageways, making up the way with stairs without the possibility of using the elevator. Buses from the Wola side also do not reach the station, and access to platform 9 serving some suburban connections is hampered by the location of the construction site.
infrastructure is growing
photo by Martyn Jandula / PKP PLK
In the station area, the contractor has already prepared nearly 8 km of track and overhead line. Forty-three turnouts have been installed - track elements that are very important for the smooth and safe operation of traffic. The construction of a local control center (LCS) with computerized equipment is advanced. The LCS will ensure the efficient and safe operation of traffic at the modernized station. Work is progressing on the connection between the ring line and the Radom line. A new structure is being prepared that will allow collision-free passage of trains. Heavy equipment is dismantling redundant objects over the tracks in the direction of the Warsaw Włochy station.
new hall
The design of the station was prepared by the Warsaw studio DWAA Architekci. According to their concept, all platforms will be covered, partly with a large canopy covering the tracks as well. Moving stairs, elevators, a dynamic information system and wide passageways will facilitate access to trains, at a station that has so far made a gloomy impression.
refugees at the station
Photo: DWAA
A completely new situation at Polish train stations is the presence of refugees from Ukraine, for whom train stations have become one of the first places to arrive, seek help and often accommodation. The neighboring bus station, from which many courses toward Ukraine have always departed, has become a besieged place in recent weeks. Volunteers have been organizing aid, donating the most necessary gifts and helping people find accommodation or further travel. Also, the reconstructed train station has become a waiting place for hundreds of people. According to Oliwia Dec-Wolszczak of DWAA Architects, however, the presence of refugees does not affect the construction process. The help of volunteers makes the flow of people at the station smooth. At the request of the architects, the reconstruction contractor installed additional signage in Ukrainian.
