A few years ago, old and slow trams were almost the only association with public transport in the Slovak capital, but now the city is preparing a quality leap forward. Bratislava's leadership sets an ambitious goal — to transform the local transport system into one of the best among medium-sized European cities without a metro, based on the experience of Swiss Zurich.
A key stage of this plan will be the grand reconstruction of Ružinovská radiála (Ružinov radial tram line), which will cover almost five kilometers of double track between the city center and residential districts. The contract for the project implementation has already been signed, and the total cost of the work is about 119 million euros including tax, with a significant part of the funding covered by European funds.
What exactly the large-scale project will change
The future modernization will affect not only the tracks themselves but also the entire surrounding space along the route, which runs through Špitálska, Krížna, Trnavská cesta, Miletičova, Záhradnícka, and Ružinovská. Residents and passengers will receive completely updated infrastructure that will significantly increase the speed and safety of moving around the city:
- Tracks and stops. The lower and upper structures of the track bed will be completely replaced, 21 stop islands will be repaired, and new barrier-free grouped stops will be arranged for convenient transfers between different types of transport.
- Green technologies. On the section from Tomášikova to Chlumeckého, the tram route will be covered with a special living ground cover that effectively absorbs noise, reduces dust, and improves the microclimate on hot days.
- Streets and intersections. The busy Krížna street will undergo a comprehensive transformation from facade to facade, as well as about a dozen key intersections and traffic light systems, which will receive priority green light for public transport.
Stages of work and impact on road traffic
Construction work will unfold in several stages to minimize city collapse, but drivers and passengers should prepare for temporary inconveniences. Preparatory work will start at the end of 2026, while the main construction phases will begin the following year.
- First stage (from the beginning of 2027): Construction equipment will enter the section from the Líščie nivy stop (on Zagadnická street) to the final stop Chlumeckého. During this period, tram line No. 9 traffic will be significantly limited.
- Second stage (planned for 2028): Restrictions will move closer to the center and cover the section Americké námestie – Legionárska. Changes in routes and schedules will affect trams No. 3, 4, and 9.
In addition to updating the existing network, the city is considering a strategic extension of the line from the Chlumeckého stop further to the future integrated mobility terminal. Such investments, together with recently completed city infrastructure, should finally convince residents to leave private cars at home more often.
