ABSTRACT
This paper presents the new state-of-the-art Metro Network to be deployed in Israel. The Gush Dan Metro Network will have three lines covering the metropolitan area of the city of Tel Aviv, and its suburbs. Tel Aviv is one of the most dynamic cities in the Mediterranean and needs an efficient metro transportation system to reduce traffic congestion, improve the environment and enhance a sustainable way of living. Top in the field local and international consultants and design companies have been mobilised to undertake the configuration of the Metro Network characteristics. The Metro Network Programme consist of 3 fully underground lines, M1, M2 and M3. There are challenges to overcome, as the lines passes through the densest urban areas of the City of Tel Aviv. The Programme comprises metro lines of a total of 150 km, 109 stations and 7 hubs, 4 depots, 2 operations centers and other ancillary structures, such as switchboxes, ventilation shafts and emergency exits. Programme procurement has been determined to be executed in at least two main stages. The first stage is expected to start construction in 2025. It includes significant portions of the North-to-South Metro Line 1, the East-to-West Metro Line 2 and the semi-circular Metro Line 3 to provide a core operational network. The paper outlines the basic characteristics of the Metro Network and the main challenges and solutions that are envisaged. The expected hydrogeological conditions are expected to pose difficulty for the construction. The dense urban development, bridges, existing LRT and Israeli Railways lines define additional challenges to be met and overcome.
