Over 3,000 tonnes of steelwork has already been fabricated, nearly 1,500 tonnes of which has already been delivered to Dubai.
Dubai (UAE): With the Dubai Metro rapidly taking shape the Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that 60% of the steel works at Jebel Ali Depot is complete. Not only will the sight of long stretches of concrete viaducts and columns be commonplace but amidst them, the emergence of the iconic curved steel structures for the stations can now be seen. Glimpses of these steel structures destined can be sighted at Dubal and Jebel Ali Industrial Stations.
The Dubai Metro will have some 24 elevated stations along the viaduct section of the Red Line. The stations have been designed to reflect the modern metropolis of Dubai. Distinctive curved roofs are the signature of the new metro, with the elevated station large shell-shaped roofs evoking the pearl diving heritage. Generally the elevated stations are elliptical in shape with the principle design philosophy being to wrap the station around the tracks.
Engineer Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Construction Department, Rail Agency said, "All the stations are formed within a curved steel- framed enclosure. Nearly 25,000 tonnes of steel will be used for the steelwork of the stations. Most of it will be fabricated in Malaysia and Singapore and over 3,000 tonnes have already been fabricated, with nearly 1,500 tonnes already been delivered to Dubai."
"Erection of the first steelwork for the elevated stations started mid October 2007 at Jebel Ali Industrial Station. Steelwork erection has also recently started at Dubal Station. Approaching 2,500 labourers are currently employed on the construction of the stations this is anticipated to increase significantly as the station works gather momentum. The commencement of steel erection for the stations follows a previous related project milestone - commencement of steel erection at the depots. "Approximately 5,000 tonnes of steelwork will be used for the construction of the depots," he added.
In keeping with the ambitions of the project to deliver the most advanced rail network in the world, the stations will boast a number of international distinctions. These include eye catching five star architectural finishes with unique themes of earth, water, fire, and air, state of the art lighting including ambient and feature lighting.
All stations will be fully air-conditioned with washroom facilities. 'Barrier free' disabled access is provided throughout the stations including lifts, tactile paths, disabled toilets, high visibility signage, visual and audio announcements, wide fare gates and the RTA automated fare collection system incorporating the innovative 'smart card' system.
Also provided an energy saving and safety conscious platform screen doors at all platforms, air-conditioned footbridges at each station incorporating travellators, integrated public transport interchange facilities at each stations incorporating easy links to buses, Abras, taxis and, for those stations next to some of the larger private developments, links to private development transit systems and air-conditioned bus shelters. All stations (and trains) will have wi-fi availability.
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© Press Release 2008
