'Tram to Wilanów' Project Faces Resin Underlay Hardening Issue, Budimex and Tramwaje Warszawskie Investigate

Budimex, the general contractor for the ‘Tram to Wilanów’ project, along with the investor Tramwaje Warszawskie, has identified an issue with the hardening process of resin underlays used in the recently constructed tram tracks.

These underlays play a crucial role in stabilizing the rails, reducing noise, and minimizing vibrations caused by tram traffic. The discovery was made during routine quality control inspections of the completed track work.

Upon identifying the problem, Budimex quickly devised a repair plan to address the issue. The plan involves the installation of additional resin underlays on the affected sections of the track, while only new, unaffected underlays will be used for the remaining sections still under construction. Although analysis shows that the current state of the underlays does not immediately compromise the tram track’s integrity, there is a risk that without repairs, stabilizing work may be required while the tram line is operational.

According to Budimex's press center, to expedite the repairs, the company has mobilized 18 work brigades, which may also operate during night hours to ensure the project remains on schedule. The additional work has delayed the completion of the tram line by approximately eight weeks, with the route now expected to be operational by late October or early November 2024. In the meantime, other aspects of the project, such as road layouts, landscaping, lighting, and the reconstruction of cycle paths, will continue into the first half of 2025.

The exact cause of the resin underlay hardening issue is currently under investigation. Preliminary analyses suggest that the problem may have been influenced by specific atmospheric conditions during the application of the resin compound.

The company has apologized to the residents of Warsaw for the delays and any inconvenience caused. Additionally, Budimex plans to reopen several traffic sections to alleviate the impact on residents. By August, the contractor intends to unblock pedestrian and car traffic on key sections, including the entrance from Hlonda Street into Rzeczpospolitej Avenue by 15 July and several other important traffic routes in the second half of August.

Source: Budimex