The construction of the tram line at Václavské náměstí will probably begin only next year

Prague – The construction of the tram track in the upper part of Wenceslas Square will likely not begin until early next year. Daniel Šabík, the head of the communication department of the Prague Public Transport Company (DPP), said this today to ČTK. The reason is the extension of the selection process for the construction company. According to the initial statements from representatives of the city and DPP, the plan was to start the construction, which is expected to cost around 1.25 billion crowns excluding VAT, this year.

The company announced the tender last September, and due to requests for information from participants, they have now extended the deadline for submitting bids to July 7, according to Šabík. "Before we are able to evaluate them, it is highly probable that we will not start the construction this year, as it would likely not make sense in winter," he said. He added that the work will likely begin in the spring of next year with the start of the construction season.

Trams ran in the upper part of the square until 1980, and the previous city leadership decided on their return. Compared to the original state, the tracks will be on the sides of the square, and a promenade will be created in the middle. Workers will repair the sidewalks and roadways, plant greenery, renovate the Museum metro station and create an underground reservoir for collecting rainwater. According to previous information, the city plans to limit car traffic in the square, which will partially run on the tram tracks.

Prague also plans to construct another track that will lead from the National Museum around the main train station to Bolzanova Street. Its construction is part of an architectural competition in which the city, together with the Railway Administration, is selecting the design of the reconstruction of the new check-in hall and the surrounding area of the main train station. The results are expected to be announced around the middle of next year.

Wenceslas Square is 682 meters long and approximately 60 meters wide. It was originally named Horse Market and was established by decree of King Charles IV. In the 19th century, it was first renamed Saint Wenceslas Square and later Wenceslas Square. In 2020, the reconstruction of the lower part of the square began, which the city mostly completed last autumn. After that, work continued on two smaller areas near the tracks from Jindřišská to Vodičkova Street, which were already preparation for the construction of the tram track in the upper part.