Thessaloniki Metro: “High-speed” tunneling works for Kalamaria Branch

Tunneling works for Kalamaria Branch continue at a record-breaking pace. Earlier today, TBM “Elli” dug the last metres before “Kalamaria”, entering the 4th station of the future line. As the Chairman of Attiko Metro, Mr. Yiannis Milopoulos, noted, “55% of the tunnels have already been opened and, by the beginning of next year, TBMs will reach the 5th and last station of the extension: Nomarchia”. After that, approximately 1,000 meters will remain for the tunnel to be connected with “Patrikios” Station, of the Main Line, the starting point of the under-construction branch.

According to Mr. Milopoulos, the completion of the tunnel will be achieved by next Summer, several months ahead of the original schedule, since the subsoil doesn’t seem to be particularly problematic. It will be the fastest tunnel construction in a Metro project, since almost 5 km will have been dug in about 12 months’ time! The second TBM, “Frixos” is lagging 1-1.5 months behind for safety reasons.

It is noteworthy that superstructure works in Pylea depot have also been announced. The first train sets are expected to arrive around the end of next year and go into trial operation both for the Main Line and Kalamaria Branch.

It should be clarified that, for the operation of the 5 stations in Kalamaria Branch (Nomarchia, Kalamaria, Aretsou, Nea Krini and Mikra), additional tenders are required for trains’ procurement, signaling systems and electromechanical equipment. These are scheduled for 2018 in order for the commercial operation to be feasible by 2021. A little earlier, by the end of 2020, the first section of the Main Line is expected to operate, extending from Sintrivani Station to Nea Elvetia Station.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com

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