The construction of Railway Line No. 85, covering the Warsaw West – CPK – Łódź Niciarniana section, represents the most advanced part of Poland’s high-speed rail network. Its completion is scheduled for 2032, aligning with the opening of the new national airport. The recently revealed visualisations by CPK highlight the modernity of this investment, emphasising landscape integration, environmentally friendly materials and technologies, and a strong commitment to passenger safety. This project sets a benchmark for future infrastructure investments in Poland and Europe. 

The design process for the approximately 140-kilometre railway line has been divided into several tasks, each managed by different consortia and design offices. 

The tunnel service building, showcased in the graphics, stands out for its simplicity. Its façades, made of fibre-cement panels in shades of grey, will feature vertical strips of climbing greenery. A system of steel trellises will support the local microclimate and biodiversity. 

The green walls help the building blend seamlessly into its surroundings, softening its visual impact. The area around the facility will include functional access routes, parking spaces, and green areas with restorative plantings. The selection of street furniture, such as bicycle racks and covered waste collection points, reflects the project’s commitment to minimalism and functionality. 

The visualisations also depict the maintenance base, a crucial hub ensuring the smooth operation of the railway line. This facility will not only include a hall and track system but also supporting infrastructure for repair and maintenance work. The bases will be strategically located near connections to existing railway lines, allowing for the delivery of materials and equipment during construction and ensuring seamless operation of the high-speed railway without disruptions. 

Additionally, climbing plants will be incorporated into the façades of buildings and shelters, while landscaping elements such as tree-lined avenues along the main access road and tall grasses around car parks have been planned. The buildings, including the maintenance hall, have been designed with simple architectural forms. 

The development of the high-speed railway has necessitated the design of railway tunnels. The longest of these, the Odolany tunnel, will stretch approximately 10 kilometres and has been designed as a twin-tube structure. Its architectural form and functional solutions reflect a commitment to sustainable public infrastructure development. 

In the long term, this project will contribute to increasing biologically active surfaces and absorbing dust and carbon dioxide—an essential factor in mitigating the environmental impact of large-scale investments. Anti-graffiti coatings resistant to weather conditions will also be applied, reducing maintenance costs. 

The tunnel design prioritises not only technical excellence but also innovative safety measures. Thanks to its twin-tube structure, each tunnel can serve as an evacuation area if needed. Cross-passages, spaced at intervals of no more than 500 metres, will enable quick access to a safe zone, meeting stringent fire protection standards. The design also accommodates evacuation requirements for people with disabilities and the elderly. 

Railway Line No. 85 will enable high-speed trains to cover the Warsaw-Łódź route in approximately 40 minutes—nearly twice as fast as current travel times. The construction of this railway along a new alignment will allow it to meet high-speed rail standards. 

Significantly, as of December 2023 and January 2024, the Warsaw and Łódź sections of this route have received environmental approvals. Construction work on the LK85 project is planned to commence in the second half of 2026.