Warsaw reintroduces a 10 km/h speed limit on Washington Avenue due to track subsidence, while evaluating long-term reconstruction plans.
Temporary speed restrictions
Tramwaje Warszawskie has reintroduced a 10 km/h speed limit on Washington Avenue due to “wychlap”—a local subsidence under the tracks—on a 30-meter section. The company plans emergency repairs within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, the city is analyzing six variants for the avenue’s permanent reconstruction, with full documentation expected by 2028. The project must align with the planned tram line to Gocław.
Ongoing track degradation
After a summer emergency repair near Międzynarodowa and Kinowa streets, trams briefly operated at higher speeds due to improved track alignment and drainage. However, the 10 km/h limit was reinstated near the Wystawowy Canal and allotment gardens. Tramwaje Warszawskie attributes this to localized subsidence, with full-speed operations expected to resume in 2-3 weeks. The company notes that the avenue requires new drainage systems, as previous repairs were only temporary.
Long-term reconstruction plans
Warsaw and Tramwaje Warszawskie have commissioned Databout to prepare full documentation for the avenue’s reconstruction, including concept analysis, project design, and administrative approvals. The project is scheduled for completion by 2028, with construction potentially starting between 2028 and 2030, pending funding and coordination with other local projects. The six proposed variants differ in track placement and road cross-sections, all preserving existing lime tree avenues. Options include narrowing the road between Saskiej Street and Wiatraczna Roundabout, shared tram-bus stops, and a dedicated bike path along Skaryszewski Park. Preliminary designs and analyses were submitted post-summer, with a preferred variant expected to be selected this autumn in consultation with relevant city departments.
Coordination with Gocław tram line
The Washington Avenue modernization is linked to the planned Gocław tram line, which will branch off along the Wystawowy Canal. In late July, Warsaw selected Databout to develop executive projects for this 3.6 km route, including all necessary permits, at an estimated cost of 9 million złoty. The new line is expected to reduce travel time from Gocław to the city center to approximately 20 minutes.
Understanding “wychlap”
Wychlap refers to localized track subsidence where water erodes material beneath the rails, causing instability. Symptoms include slight track sagging, tram swaying, and water splashing during passage. It typically occurs after heavy rains in poorly drained areas, where standing water seeps into the track foundation. Temporary speed limits are imposed during repairs, while permanent solutions involve improved drainage and track reinforcement.
