Metro Line SIR 2 Padua, Italy

New Metro Line SIR 2 Padua - Eastern Section, Italy

The SIR 2 line (Intermediate Network System), running along the east–west axis of the city of Padua, includes two functional sections: the Western Section (Rubano – Padua, approximately 9 km) and the Eastern Section (Padua railway station – Busa di Vigonza, approximately 7 km), which has been awarded to the consortium composed of Vittadello S.p.A. (lead company), Sielte Trasporti S.r.l. and Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie S.p.A.

This is the largest project in North-Eastern Italy funded by the NRRP, designed to support a transport demand estimated at 20 million passengers per year by 2030.

Like Line 1, SIR 2 adopts Translohr technology, a rubber-tyred tram system featuring a reduced transversal footprint, a smaller turning radius (10.5 m compared to 25 m for a conventional tram), and requiring lighter infrastructure, making it easier to integrate into urban contexts with limited road space.

Characteristics of the Eastern Section

The section includes three options concerning, respectively: the expansion of the workshop and the construction of the Guizza depot; the extension of the line towards the area where the new Padua East hospital hub will be developed; and the connection to the Busa di Vigonza station.

The positioning of the monorail and tramway alignment at the centre of the carriageway – the option adopted as a priority – makes it possible to maximise the percentage of reserved track (approximately 85% along the Eastern Section).
Sixteen stops are planned, mostly on central platforms measuring 33 m in length plus an access ramp (for a total of 38 m), 2.50 m in width and 23 cm above rail level.

Various solutions are adopted on a case-by-case basis, depending on the urban context, for the delimitation of reserved lanes (non-crossable kerbs, crossable kerbs, continuous or dashed road markings), for the signalling of mixed-traffic lanes, for allowing left turns by vehicles through either signal-controlled roundabouts or indirect left-turn layouts, and for the placement of pedestrian and cycle crossings along the entire route, ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable road users.