First phase of Rio Metro tunnel completed.
The last stretch of rock separating the Line 4 tunnel of the Rio Metro between Barra da Tijuca, in the West Zone of the city, and São Conrado, South Zone, was detonated this Monday (9); with five kilometers of extension, this is the largest tunnel between metro stations in the world; in total, more than 6 thousand meters of track tunnels have already been excavated.
Rio Agency - The last stretch of rock separating the Line 4 tunnel of the Rio Metro between Barra da Tijuca - West Zone of the city - and São Conrado - South Zone - was detonated this Monday (9). Excavations began in September 2010. At five kilometers long, this is the largest tunnel between metro stations in the world. In total, more than 6 meters of track tunnels - through which the trains will pass - have already been excavated between Barra and Gávea.
"We are building more underground lines than anything that has been done since the subway opened. We will allow more than 250 people to use this transport when the line is inaugurated, taking two thousand cars off the road and providing comfort to people. It is a historic moment and will be a very important legacy. This will be a democratic station, with access for Rocinha and for the residents of São Conrado. In short, a station that is the face of Rio de Janeiro," said Governor Sérgio Cabral during the completion of the excavations.
Since the tunnels in the Barra da Tijuca - Gávea section pass through the rock massif, the Rio Barra Construction Consortium, responsible for the works between Barra and Gávea, adopted the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) - Drill and Blast methodology to build it. NATM consists of controlled detonations and is the most suitable method for excavation in rock.
"This was a long-held dream, more than 40 years in the making, to bring the subway to Barra da Tijuca. We fought hard to experience this moment of having the resources to carry out this project. We took a big step, and we will leave more than 70% complete. The people who most need quality transportation will benefit," stated the Vice-Governor and Infrastructure Coordinator, Luiz Fernando Pezão.
The implosion occurred at approximately 7:43 AM. Three siren blasts were activated before the fourth, which signaled the completion of the detonation. Authorities and construction workers watched it on a screen installed inside the excavated tunnel.
With approximately 16 kilometers of extension, Line 4 (Barra da Tijuca - Ipanema) will transport, starting in 2016, more than 300 people per day and remove about 2 vehicles from the streets per peak hour. It will have six stations: Jardim Oceânico, São Conrado, Gávea, Antero de Quental, Jardim de Alah, and Nossa Senhora da Paz.
Starting in 2016, Metro Line 4 will connect Barra da Tijuca to Ipanema in just 15 minutes, and the Barra-São Conrado tunnel will connect the two busiest stations on Metro Line 4 – Jardim Oceânico, with 91 passengers per day, and São Conrado, with 61. The Barra-São Conrado journey will take less than 6 minutes.