The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named “Hippodamus” commences its operation from the Startup Shaft in the area of Aghia Varvara for boring the tunnel of the Metro Line 3 Extension to Piraeus.
The event of the TBM launching was hosted by Mr. Christos Tsitouras, Chairman and Managing Director of ATTIKO METRO S.A. and was attended by Messrs. Stratos Simopoulos, Secretary General of Public Works, George Kaplanis, Mayor of Aghia Varvara, Dimitrios Grivas, Vice-Chairman of ATTIKO METRO S.A., the members of ATTIKO METRO S.A. BoD and Mr. Panagiotis Papachlimintzos, General Manager of ATTIKO METRO S.A.
“Hippodamus” was named after the great ancient Greek urban planner.
Various elements of Hippodamian Plan of the ancient city of Piraeus are being revealed during the archaeological survey conducted in the framework of the Metro Project construction in Dimotiko Theatro Square. Tunneling works commence in due time, as provided for in the Project Time Schedule; this was made feasible due to the significant efforts made by ATTIKO METRO S.A., the construction Joint Venture of the Project and, mainly, by all employees who achieved, in record time, to assemble the TBM machine.
Having bored 6.5 km of tunnel and having passed through AGHIA VARVARA, KORYDALLOS, NIKEA, MANIATIKA, PIRAEUS and DIMOTIKO THEATRO Stations, which are under construction and where the worksites are in full swing, it is anticipated that “Hippodamus” will complete the construction of the tunnel in approximately 2.5 years.
Mr. Christos Tsitouras, Chairman and Managing Director of ATTIKO METRO S.A., stressed the following:
“Another great Project of ATTIKO METRO S.A., whose funding by the European Union and the European Investment Bank is secured, is in full progress contributing, thus, in a most decisive way to the development of the country; once completed, this project will upgrade the city and the port of Piraeus and will serve the transportation needs of the citizens of all Municipalities where the new stations are currently under construction”.
Mr. Stratos Simopoulos, Secretary General of Public Works, made the following statement:
“Launching of the TBM from Aghia Varvara towards Piraeus proves that Greece is a country that still works, yields favorable results and can surely hope for the best to come. Today is a great day for the western suburbs of Attica and Piraeus regions. Major Projects are indeed the most important development tool for our country”.
