SIX MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT DESIGN
Significant issues that had not been dealt with efficiently by the previous design – in the framework of the failed attempt to construct THESSALONIKI METRO based on the concession contract method (1998-2003) – are now dealt with in detail thanks to the new design of the project. ELLINIKO METRO A.E. succeeded in coping with particularly difficult challenges in technical issues regarding the construction of the project, securing thus the minimization of any entanglements due to the inefficient initial planning. More specifically, the basic improvements in both planning and design of the THESSALONIKI METRO Project are the following:
Archaeological issues
Thanks to the perfect and close cooperation with the Archaeological Departments and the Ministry of Culture, ELLINIKO METRO SA. proceeded with the following actions:
- It prepared an archaeological documentation design, determining the Stations that could be characterized as “high archaeological risk” ones, since encountering antiquities during the execution of excavation works is very likely.
- It proceeded with the relocation of those Stations, whose construction would require long-lasting archaeological excavation (e.g. PL. DEMOKRATIAS Station was shifted to a new location outside the ancient walls of the city)
- The best possible methods were selected in view of securing the archaeological finds, as well as minimizing both cost and time of the archaeological excavations.
It is anticipated that the archaeological excavation shall cover a total surface of 19,200 square meters and ELLINIKO METRO A.E., in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, shall reveal the most important archaeological finds in central Stations of the network.
Public utility organization networks
The improvements in the alignment of THESSALONIKI METRO Line were effected in such a way so as to secure that there would not be any entanglement with the Main Sewer of the city, a major part of whose – based on the initial design – should be relocated and diverted. Similar provisions and minor corrections were effected taking into consideration the remaining PUO networks in the city of Thessaloniki.
Sub-soil
The new design of the project, thanks to the collection of additional data relating to Thessaloniki sub-soil, determined exactly the excavation methods of the Stations and the Line and identified the characteristics of the two Tunnel Boring Machines.
Construction methods
Construction methods resulting in minimization of disturbances to the citizens and the vehicular traffic have been selected. The stations are mainly constructed by means of diaphragm walls and the cover and cut method, while – as compared with the previous design – the construction of the tunnels by means of the cut and cover method is minimized.
Provision for the systems extensions
In the framework of the awarded Project, provision has been made for the execution of the underground works, required for the future extension of the METRO Line towards Stavroupoli and Kalamaria, so that the operation of the Project may not be interrupted for an extended time period in the future, as the case would be if no provision had been made for the performance of the aforementioned underground works.
Platform screen doors
The installation of doors at the Stations platforms (that open automatically upon the train arrival at the station) constitutes a technological innovation implemented on new Metro Systems. The installation of these doors allows the automization of the entire system ensuring, thus, a greater safety level for the Metro passengers..
