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Athens Metro: ambitious plans for 35 new stations in 9 line extensions

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Athens Metro: ambitious plans for 35 new stations in 9 line extensions

A Metro network with over 110 stations in Athens is planned with 35 new stations in 9 extensions. After a decade where Metro projects were concentrated around the extension of line 3 in Piraeus and the effort to start the implementation of line 4, new goals seem to be set for the coming years. The aim is interconnectivity with other means, the expansion of the network and the creation of new growth poles in the capital.

In the last 12 months we heard a series of new Metro projects being announced, which with their prioritization will make Athens a friendlier city to its citizens and visitors.

It is estimated that after the completion of the extension of line 3 and the 15 new stations of line 4, the Athenian network will reach approximately 86 stations. With the new extensions that are in the implementation or planning phase, Athens now aims to far exceed 100 stations.

More specifically, 9 extensions with 35 new stations have been included in the plans of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and Attiko Metro. With these extensions, lines 2 and 4 are completed, while a new 5th line is also created (which is currently a branch of line 4). Emphasis is now placed on the expansion of the Metro in the north and south and in fact almost all the Municipalities in the metropolitan complex are covered.

The 9 new expansions

The 9 extensions that are progressing are divided into those that have already started the maturation processes and those that are for the future. In more detail, the extensions that mature at this time and are prioritized are:

– the extension of line 2 to Ilion with 3 stations

– the extension of line 2 to Glyfada with 3 stations

– the extension of line 4 to the west towards Petroupoli with 6 stations

– the new branch of line 1 Thisio-Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos Foundation with the Metro with 4 stations

-the branch of line 4 (or the new line 5) from Evangelismos to PYRKAL with 3 stations.

In the second stage we also have these projects:

– the extension of line 4 to Marousi-Lykovrisi with 10 stations in the north

-the undergrounding of line 1 in the Faliro-Piraeus section with 1 more station

– the further extension of line 2 from Agios Nikolaos to Menidi with 3 stations

– the extension of line 1 from Kifissia to N.H. at the Varybombi junction with 2 stations.

In detail the Metro Network which will have over 110 stations in Athens is planned with 35 new stations in 9 extensions are:

Line 2 goes to Ilion and Glyfada

The first priority of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Attiko Metro was the north-west extension from Anthoupoli (Peristeri) to reach the Agios Nikolaos station in Ilion.

The 3 stations PALATIANI, ILION, AGIOS NIKOLAOS will create better conditions for urban transport and the connection of the Metro network in the quite populated areas of Petroupoli, Ilio and Kamateros. The tender announcement went live at the beginning of the month. The project is expected to be financed by the NSRF 2021-2027.

In the south, the project is maturing for the final extension of the medium to the center of Glyfada with three stations: ANO GLYFADA, GR.LAMBRAKI, GLYFADA. The terminal is located in the square of Agios Konstantinos in the commercial center of Glyfada. Strange as it may seem, in 2000 when the first sections of lines 2 and 3 were operational, the goal was to have the medium extended to Glyfada in 2006.

This has not been achieved even now and bearing in mind the large investment in Elliniko, the extension of line 2 seems to be a first priority project. The project needs study and financial maturation.

Line 4 extensions 

Since last year in June, the first section of line 4 from Alsos Veikou to Goudi with 15 stations is under construction and according to the schedule it will be put into operation at the end of the current decade. Attiko Metro is now planning the extensions to Petroupoli, Lykovrisi and PYRKAL.

The priority seems to be the extension from Alsos Veikou to Petroupoli with 6 stations: NEA IONIA, PEFKAKIA, NEW PHILADELPHIA, PYRGOS VASILISSIS, ILION, PETROUPOLI. It will cover important areas of north-western Athens and will connect line 4 with line 1 in Pefkakia and with the Suburban in Pyrgos Vasilissis. The first studies are in progress.

However, it seems that the new branch from Evangelismos to the planned Government Park at the former facilities of PYRKAL is also in the process of implementation. The extension includes Pagrati, Vyronas, PYRKAL stations and the connection with line 2 is also being considered. Essentially we are talking about a new line with some common stations with line 4, but the final OK will also give the final design around this very interesting Metro line.

But the biggest expansion is the one that will cover Kifissias, which looks more and more like a car park. The topographical studies for the extension of line 4 to the north. Via Kifissias it will reach Marousi and from there via Pefki and Lykovrysi it will arrive near the National Highway. The planned stations are: KATECHAKI, PHAROS, FILOTHEI, SIDERA, OLYMPIACO STADIO, PARADEISOS, OTE, MAROUSI, PEFKI, LYKOVRYSIS.

This is a major expansion with 10 new stations that will complete the connection of the northern suburbs with the city’s Metro network.

For the first time, areas such as Pefki and Lykovrisi will be connected and the metro will “touch” the Athens-Lamia National Highway, where it will become a big hub for those going to the city.

These three projects currently need maturation. If the studies go forward, it is a project that we will see gradual development over the next twenty years.

Line 1: The F.S.Niarchos Cultural Center, the undergrounding and the extension to Varybompi

In the plans of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Attiko Metro, however, there are still three projects as can be seen from the new map of Attiko Metro.

The first is the undergrounding of line 1 from Faliro to Piraeus. It is a big request of the Municipality of Piraeus to improve the traffic connection with the port and the surrounding areas. The object also includes the addition of a station called KAMINIA. The studies need updating for the project that has been included in the NSRF 2021-2027.

The second goal is for the Metro to reach the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. This is a commitment of the Greek state to the SNF, a constant request since the beginning of the construction of the complex which today is one of the most important points of the city for residents and visitors.

In this case, a new branch of line 1 has been qualified, starting at THISEO station and through Theseos Street, it is planned to reach the SNFCC. The stations that have been included are: HAMOSTERNAS, DAVAKI, TZITZIFIES and STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION CULTURAL CENTER. The studies are in progress and as everything shows, the project may be able to be implemented within the current decade.

Finally, another extension that is being considered is the northern extension of line 1 from Kifissia to Varibombi at the junction of the National Road. It is an extension of great importance as it is considered that it can reduce traffic in Kifissos and give access to the Metro network in the developing urban areas in the north of Athens. Two stations are included: NEA ERYTHRIA and KOMBOS VARYMBOPIS.

A Metro network that will have over 110 stations in Athens is planned with 35 new stations in 9 extensions: See the new map with all the new stations 

(Source | https://ypodomes.com)

Tarcisio Celestino

Tarcisio Celestino was previously ITA President (2016-19) and President of the Brazilian Tunnelling Committee. He was the Animateur of the ITA Working Group 12 on Sprayed Concrete Use (2005-10). He earned his doctorate degree in Civil Engineering (Rock Mechanics) from the University of California, Berkeley (1981).

He is currently Professor at the University of Sao Paulo and employed by Themag Engenharia Ltda., Sao Paulo (Brazil), where he leads the Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology &Transportation Engineering Design Groups. He is also responsible for the geotechnical designs of several hydroelectric power plants, subways, highways etc., including major underground works (since 1990). He has also acted as consultant.

Professor Celestino continues to contribute his knowledge for the graduate courses & research areas on Rock Mechanics & Underground Works, at the São Carlos Engineering School, University of São Paulo and for the ITACET Foundation.

2. Excursion of history and adventure in Lavreotiki
Sunday 14 May, 2023

Our destination is the exploitation galleys of one of the largest underground mines of Attica. The chambers of metal extraction, rich in recognisable minerals, combine the mystery of ancient drifts with the beauty of caves. We will wander underground for up to 3 hours and explore the maize of drifts, the chambers supported by natural as well as carved-out pillars and the stalactites decoration reminiscent of natural caves. Each of the routes we follow hides surprises waiting to be discovered! 

After we will visit the great “Chaos” sinkhole, a heart-shaped sinkhole formation 150m in diameter and 55m deep. This chiasm may have been formed by the collapse of a cave roof as many of the area’s mining tunnels end there.

Scientific theme: Underground mining activity in Lavrio

Duration: 6 hours inclusive

Detailed program

9.30-10.30 Athens-Lavrio

10.30-13.30 Underground mines

14.00-14.30 Stop at dolin “Chaos” and return to Athens

14.30 – 15.30 Lavrio-Athens

Cost per person: 40,00 €

*limited participation on a first come first served basis. In case participants are less than 20, the respective event will be cancelled and a refund wil be given.

Photo Gallery

1. We go down Athens underground. (Athens centre, moving around on foot)
Saturday 13 May, 2023

How many surprises can the Athens underground have in store for its visitors? The stroll will start from underground shelters and detention areas of the German Kommandatur, remnants of the 2nd World War in Athens. Then, we will take the steps that start off under a timeworn trap door on the side of a road or hidden away in a sidewalk flower–bed, that will lead us in a different, forgotten underground area of the city! For hundreds of years, underground pathways have been used for various and mysterious purposes. Some say that all underground pathways are interconnected although there is no proof of this. Nevertheless, the allure of an unknown world is always there, beneath the ground we walk on. We lift up the antiquated hatch and descend the stone steps.  In the catacomb, we come across tunnels of ancient aqueducts, roman baths and byzantine crypts. The Athens river is also found hidden below the ground, running in old galleys under the most central streets of Athens – we can hear the cars passing over our heads! 

We invite you to discover together the hidden secrets of our city!

Scientific theme: underground constructions of the 19th and 20th century.

Duration: Maximum of 4 hours.

Detailed program:

11.00 Meeting outside Metro Station Panepistimio

11.30 Memorial Site (Korai Street). Two-level underground shelter below the Mansion of Ethniki Insurance Company.

13.00 Catacombs of the Russian Church (Filellinon Street). Inside the catacombs a tunnel and a shaft from ancient Peisistratus aqueduct, ruins from roman baths and crypts of the Byzantine order of Likodimos -11th century.

14.00 Ilissos River (area of Panathenaic Stadium). The buried riverbed of Athens river Ilissos.

Cost per person : 35,00 €

*limited participation on a first come first served basis. In case participants are less than 20, the respective event will be cancelled and a refund wil be given.

Photo Gallery

Professor Kyriazis Pitilakis

Professor Kyriazis Pitilakis has more than forty years of intensive academic, research and professional experience in civil, earthquake and geotechnical engineering. Vice-President of the European Association of Earthquake Engineering (EAEE), ex- Chairman of the Technical Committee “Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering andAssociated Problems” (TC203) of the International Society of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE), and past President of the Greek Society of Earthquake Engineering. He is presently Professor Emeritus in Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece and since 2019 visiting Professor in Tongji University, International Laboratory of earthquake Engineering (ILEE), Shanghai, China.

Coordinator and scientific responsible of numerous European research projects, namely EUROSEISTEST and SYNER-G, he has a long experience in European research activities in earthquake engineering, geotechnical engineering, vulnerability and risk assessment of civil engineering structures, infrastructures and lifelines. According to the recent Stanford classification he is among the top 10 leading researchers in Civil Engineering in Greece, and among the top 10 leading international researchers in specific topics like Soil Dynamics, Engineering Seismology and Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering.

Chairman of several international conferences including the 16th European Conference of Earthquake Engineering, Thessaloniki 2018 and invited keynote lecturer in many International Conferences. Author of more than 650 scientific papers (h-factor 57) published in peer review scientific journals, and conference proceedings, author and co-author in several books, editor of four books published in Springer Editions, all in relevant subjects of earthquake engineering, seismic risk and geotechnical earthquake engineering. Professor Kyriazis Pitilakis is founder and coordinator of EUROSEISTEST, a large scale experimental facility in earthquake engineering, soil dynamics and engineering seismology that is unique in Europe and worldwide. He supervised more that 30 PhD thesis and numerous of his students hold academic positions in Greece and worldwide.

Professor Kyriazis Pitilakis is strongly involved in the ongoing revision of EC8 (Part 1-Seismic Actions and Part 5-Seismic design of foundations, retaining structures, soilstructure interaction, liquefaction, slope stability and underground structures), while he has been international expert for the revision of other seismic codes worldwide.

He is member of the editorial advisory board in Springer editions (Geotechnical, Geological and Earthquake Engineering), member of the editorial board and reviewer of numerous scientific journals and member of many international societies in earthquake and geotechnical engineering.

Honors: Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques, French Republic.
Thessaloniki 06.06.2022

Professor Marc Panet

The 12th Muir Wood lecture will be delivered by Professor Marc Panet during the WTC2023 in Athens. His nomination being a Muir Wood lecturer was proposed by the French Tunnelling & Underground Space Association (AFTES) as per ITA’s Statues and By-laws.

Marc Panet graduated in Civil Engineering at the École des Mines de Paris and obtained a Master degree at the University of California at Berkeley. He started his career in 1965 at the Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées, in Paris, where he was a Research Engineer, Head of the Geotechnical Department and Technical Director. In 1982 he joined the SHP Group, in Paris, as Scientific Director. From 1984 to 1996 he was the President and CEO of SIMECSOL; and from 1996 to 2000 President and CEO of FC International SA. Since then he has been working as a consultant. He taught at the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, at the École des Mines and at the École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures, in Paris.

Marc has been in charge of numerous studies in geotechnical engineering for underground works, highways, bridges, and natural hazards. Among the main projects are: the Mont Blanc Tunnel (11.6km), the Frejus Road Tunnel (12.9 km), the Large Electron–Positron Collider (CERN in Geneva), the Channel Tunnel (from 1967 to the end of the construction), the Millau Bridge, the Loetschberg Base Tunnel (43 km), subways in Paris, Rennes, Caracas, Athens and Algiers, the slides of the city of Constantine (Algeria), the project of the suspended bridge on the Straits of Messina (Italy) and the project of the cable-stayed bridge on the Golden Horn (Turkey). He is presently involved in a large number of geotechnical projects.

He is the author of a large number of publications in professional journals and international conferences and of the well-known book “Calculation of tunnels using the convergence-confinement method”.

Marc Panet is a Honorary Member of the French Academy of Technology, Knight of the National Order of Merit and Knight of the Order of Academic Palms.