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VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF PEHODE AT WORKSITES OF THE THESSALONIKI METRO – Mr. G. Souflias expressed his satisfaction for the progress of works

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  • VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF PEHODE AT WORKSITES OF THE THESSALONIKI METRO – Mr. G. Souflias expressed his satisfaction for the progress of works

The following Press Release was issued by the Press and Public Relations Office of the Ministry of PEHODE:

Continuing his tour in northern Greece, Mr. George Souflias, Minister of PEHODE,  visited today the Thessaloniki Metro worksite at NEOS SIDIRODROMIKOS STATHMOS.

Upon completion of his visit, the Minister of PEHODE made the following statement:

“The Metro project constitutes the greatest transportation Project in Thessaloniki and ranks among the top priorities of the Ministry of PEHODE. We are currently constructing a Metro system using state-of-the-art technology and on the basis of the most demanding specifications concerning the quality and functionality. This system shall be among the most advanced Metro systems in Europe and shall gradually serve an ever increasing number of areas in Thessaloniki in order to provide a reliable, comfortable and fast transport and, in general, upgrade the quality of life in Thessaloniki. The total investment rises to 1.1 billion Euros for the Project under construction (9.6 km long – 13 stations), while the first 335 million Euros have been secured through the 4th CSF for the Metro extensions to Kalamaria and Stavroupoli (total length: 10 km – 10 stations).

Despite the magnitude of the Project, it is progressing according to its time schedule. Of course, certain extensions to partial deadlines have already been granted, due to archaeological finds, network relocations and problems in the availability of necessary areas; however, these extensions are not expected to affect significantly the overall schedule of the Project, as long as the execution of works is intensified. A delay (shorter than two months) observed in early summer was due to some financial problems of one of the companies participating in the Contracting Joint Venture, which problems, as I am informed, have already been resolved and the works are presently executed at a very rapid pace, as it can be witnessed by anyone.

Presently, the setbacks have been eliminated, the works in the various worksites are executed in full swing and the time that was lost will be soon recovered.

Besides, it is a fact that in all major projects the beginning is always difficult and the Project’s execution gradually progresses and is accelerated. Remember that the Athens Metro also faced similar problems. The first worksite for the Athens Metro Project was installed seventeen (17) months after the commencement of the Project.

What is important is that the assembly of the first TBM has now commenced, which shall start its tunnel boring works, while the assembly of the second TBM will soon take place.
After the completion of the archaeological excavations at the station of NEOS SIDIRODROMIKOS STATHMOS, the Joint Venture has constructed the TBM start-up shaft. Very soon the two (2) TBMs named “GIORIKAS” and “KOSTIKAS”, shall begin the construction of two (2) independent single-track tunnels without any fuss and any disturbance to the city’s functions. We have to bear in mind that the total length of the TBM is ninety (90) meters, its weight is four hundred (400) tons and it is equipped with an earth pressure balance shield, an arrangement which minimizes the surface settlements by controlling the natural ground pressure at the face of the tunnel. In addition, each TBM shall bore on a daily basis ten (10) meters of Metro tunnels at depths ranging from sixteen (16) to thirty one (31) meters.

Similar attention has been placed on the minimization of the disturbance due to the construction of the stations since, thanks to the “cover and cut” method, the larger portion of the works shall be underground.

At the same time and on the occasion of the construction of thirteen (13) stations and 9.6 km of Metro line, the largest (20,000 m2) uniform archaeological excavation in Thessaloniki is currently in progress, while significant and unexpected archaeological finds have already been revealed. A portion of these archaeological articles shall be exhibited at prestigious Metro stations, while “Alkazar” with funds granted by the Ministry of PEHODE shall be converted into a modern museum, which shall bring into the light unknown aspects of the history of Thessaloniki.

It is estimated that a total of 3.000 of various employees shall be engaged in the construction of the Metro, while this number will double in the next few years as the Ministry of PEHODE and ATTIKO METRO S.A. are already planning further Metro extensions.

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