Scott Wilson Railways: Athens Metro
14 May 2004 15:13
Scott Wilson Railways are undertaking a joint venture with renowned Greek Consultant OMETE, for client Attiko Metro AE, to develop four extensions to the Athens Metro system. The new lines total approximately 26km and the remit includes 21 new stations (of which 18 are underground), a stabling depot and investigations on upgrading the existing control centre and design of a new control centre. Related studies include operational issues of the new enlarged system, in particular the branch line operation and new train services.
For each extension, the joint venture is developing Advanced Concept Designs (ACDs). Disciplines required include tunnelling, civil and structural, architectural, traffic, permanent way and alignment, signalling and telecommunications, traction power, ventilation, electrical and mechanical, archaeological, noise & vibration and railway operations.
For certain extensions, following approval of concept designs, the JV proceeds to the second phase, the production of General Final Designs (GFDs) – these are to such a level that detailed design and build contracts can be let and also include the production of contract specifications. It is scheduled that the GFD for the Ellenikon extension will be completed to enable the possibility of detailed design and construction tenders being invited towards the end of 2004.
The large majority of the civil, architectural and E/M works are undertaken in Athens by OMETE, the Greek JV partners and Greek JV sub-consultants, namely Methodos (Alignment), Betaplan and G.Provelegios (architects), GDA (E&M) and SSE (environment). The JV have contracted an archaeological expert, to minimise impact on the prolific ancient sites. Scott Wilson provides the project management and design commissions are partly undertaken in the UK in London and Swindon, in addition to the full time staff located in Athens. This requires extensive IT facilities for transfer of data between the various offices. The Railway Operations and Planning Unit of Scott Wilson are carrying out a study of the overall system requirements up to 2020 operation to determine service patterns and depot / stabling needs.
The commissions commenced in November 2003 and the client provided substantial base data for the Elleniko and Kifissias extensions including detailed background mapping and previous design studies. In this case of Elleniko, the alignment and station locations was largely fixed, closely following the wide median strip of a dual carriageway. This route was a combination of cut & cover, at grade and viaduct, with two elevated stations. In contrast, the base data for the Egaleo to Pireaus and Panepistimio to Galatsi extensions was much more limited. For these extensions the JV are undertaking extensive route optioneering to locate the best underground alignments, positions of stations and other railway infrastructure such as ventilation shafts. Of vital importance is the issue of maximising ridership, minimising compulsory purchase, and ensuring buildability in the very dense Athens urban environment. The work is undertaken by a small but closely knit team, and Scott Wilson have demonstrated that one of the keys to success is to spend considerable time walking the streets, fully understanding the environment of the new lines, in close coordination with the client.
Completion of the first phase of the Athens Metro in 2000 was of course not without difficulties; however, the lessons have been well learned and the Metro is certainly one of the success stories of Athens. Two extensions are about to be opened for the Olympic Games and a further two will be completed after the games. The extensions being designed by the Scott Wilson/OMETE JV are planned to commence construction in 2005.
For more information on this company:
Scott Wilson - International Multi-disciplinary Railway Consultancy
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