Salerno Metro, Italy
Salerno Metro Extension, Italy
The project involves the construction of a 9 km single-track, fully electrified line running alongside the odd track of the existing double-track Salerno–Battipaglia railway line.
The alignment will start from the “Arechi” station (the current terminus of the Salerno Metro line in operation) and will extend through the municipalities of Pontecagnano, Faiano and Bellizzi, reaching Salerno “Costa d’Amalfi” Airport.
The activation of four new stops/stations (Ospedale stop, Pontecagnano, S. Antonio and Airport stations) is aimed at strengthening connections with the hospital and the university, as well as improving accessibility to Costa d’Amalfi Airport.
The new track crosses four railway viaducts, all with a single span, in order to overpass the Fuorni stream (approximately 37 m), the Picentino River (approximately 45 m), the Asa River (approximately 45 m) and the Diacoloni stream (approximately 19 m).
Within the consortium awarded the contract, GCF will be responsible for track works, electric traction, electrical substations and signalling, as well as lighting and power systems, mechanical systems and telecommunications.
Trackworks design
Based on the traditional ballasted track with flat-bottom (Vignole) rails, the design adopts the highest standards applied by RFI across its railway network.
The ballast bed, consisting of first-category crushed stone, has a minimum thickness of 35 cm beneath the bearing surface of the sleepers.
Vignole rails, 108 m in length, are fastened to monoblock prestressed reinforced concrete sleepers equipped with high-resilience elastic fastening systems; once welded together, they will form the continuously welded rail (CWR).
Finally, the installation of 60UNI turnouts is envisaged, laid in accordance with the track layout plans and equipped with electric switch heating systems (RED).
Electric Traction works
The overhead line structures consist of lattice-type masts equipped with tubular steel horizontal cantilever brackets, as well as anchoring portals, each comprising two pylons topped by an anchoring beam.
The related foundation blocks are made of reinforced concrete using “guaranteed performance” concrete with a minimum strength class of C30.
The contact line on the running track, both on open line sections and at stations/stops, has a total cross-sectional area of 320 mm² (440 mm² at Pontecagnano), achieved by using a 120 mm² messenger wire and two 100 mm² contact wires.
