REALITY-CHANGING TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURES

The Jerusalem Light Rail system is a megaproject set up as part of a concession scheme agreement signed with the State of Israel and the financing bodies and implemented by Ashtrom in collaboration with the French company Alstom. The project is a complex transit venture that has changed the face of transport in Israel and brought about a substantial improvement in controlling traffic loads, air quality and passengers’ welfare.

Line construction works were completed in 2011 and included a 14 km. long track alignment with 23 passenger stops along it and 12 substations powering the line. In addition a LRT (Light Rail Transit) depot was built in the French Hill area together with a rolling stock operating and maintenance yard and the concessionaire’s and operator’s offices. The concrete rail bed was cast using two machines expressly manufactured for this purpose, dictating the development of special concrete mixes by the contractor.

The construction process was rich with unusual engineering and logistical challenges, also on account of this being the first ever LRT line in Israel. Work along a congested and busy urban route replete with vehicular and pedestrian traffic and business areas necessitated the introduction of involved traffic layouts to avoid disrupting the routines of residents, drivers and merchants. This also explains the need for numerous construction teams to enable work to proceed day and night. In addition to this ancient grave and antiquity sites were discovered along the route, making bypass and bridging work essential at these points.