SOUTH BORING SHIELD OF METRO 4 REACHED THE PEST SIDE

Within six weeks, following a short changeover, but without major technical difficulties, the south TBM of metro 4 made its way through to the Pest side. At the Fővám square station the platform tunnels towards the river bed were already finished in April, thus the station could receive the plant smoothly. Its north pair can also set off on the three hundred meter long stretch under the river in a few days, and once it arrives, it will become apparent how the Contractor will be able to program the pest side tunnel building.
After a maintenance period the south TBM that just broke in was able to start the construction of the section under the Danube – planned to last for 4 to 6 weeks then – at the 18th of May. Working under the river is always a greater challenge than usual, but it confirms the accuracy of the preliminary soil investigations that the tunneling work could proceed nearly with the same pace and safety here too, than in normal conditions and under built-up surface. There were only a short section whereat clay stuck into the cutting shield of the TBM, but the professionals finished with cleaning in a few days.

Construction of the platform tunnels connecting to the Fővám square station was already finished by Hídépítő at the beginning of April, thus BAMCO was able to start test boring works needed to receive the TBM, in other words the station timely reached the degree of completion suitable to receive TBMs. For the Pest side construction the TBM servicing equipment will be gradually redeployed to Szent Gellért square and soon the delivery of segments constituting the tunnel walls will take place from here, and respectively the removal of excavated muck up until TBMs reach at the Pest side the TBM disassembling chamber to be provided at the Baross Square temporary final station.

In terms of the final construction end date the tunnel construction as being the principal methodology is the most important factor. Almost all of the further work phases are associated with the advance of the boring shields. Once the north TBM made its way through to the Pest side as well, it will become apparent how BAMCO will be able to program its works across the still remaining section. Discussions continue with regard to this issue as well. DBR Metro Project Directorate will make every effort in order to ensure the tunnel construction to finish at the Pest side by the first half of 2010, and the interior builder as well as track builder contractors to take over the full line.


At the press visit today the representative of Théba Művészeti Akadémia (Thebes Art Academy) announced that on the quay side concrete surface – empty at least for another six months – of the Fővám square station the students of the academy completed the giant picture similar to the one at Szent Gellért square. This work is also part of that effort by which the metro builders would like to outreach to the modern art, as well as to color the cityscape replacing blank surfaces. This work of art was created in cooperation of Théba, Hídépítő and DBR.

Budapest, 29th June 2009
DBR Metro Project Directorate