For the first time since 2000: a new tram terminal is being built in Minsk
True, this is not a new route, but a shortening of an existing one.
A new tram turning loop, or, in other words, a new terminal, is being built in Minsk. Photos were shared on Threads, writes Blizko.by.
The loop is being constructed near the Palace of Children and Youth on Staravilenskaya Street. True, this is not a new route, but a shortening of an existing one.
According to the project, the tram turning loop will first be moved from the "Vozera" terminal to the Palace of Children and Youth, and then, after street reconstruction, the line will be extended north again, beyond Arlouskaya Street, but along Novavilenskaya.
Thus, routes №3 (from Serabranka), №4 (from the railway station) and №5 (from Zialony Luh) are shortened by several stops: the stops "Staravilenski Trakt", "Very Slutskay" and "Vozera" will be removed from the new routes.
However, transport forums doubt that the construction of the new line will actually happen. Many Minsk residents believe that the temporary loop near the Palace of Children and Youth will remain permanent. Sceptical sentiments were also voiced in the comments:
- "They destroyed the parking lot and cut the line by several stops";
- "If something needs to be built to destroy something else, it's done quickly."
- But there were also those who were happy:
- "Finally, they will be able to make a normal exit from the city along Dalhinawski Trakt without traffic jams";
- "Well, there you go, they are building tram tracks, like in Europe!"
According to Blizko.by, a new terminal is being equipped for the first time since 2000.
At that time, the "Miasnikova" turning loop was moved from Miasnikova Square through Maskouskaya Street closer to the railway station. The last new tram line in Minsk was laid in 1986 along Chapaeva Street.
Since then, the tram network and infrastructure have only been shrinking:
- 1990: closure of the branch to Autazavod
- 2013: liquidation of the "Valhahradskaya" turning loop
- 2015: closure of the line along Kastrychnitskaya Street
In 2018, there were also plans to dismantle the turning loop on Zmitraka Biaduli Street, but after a petition demanding its preservation, transport officials officially replied that it would be saved. It survived.