Abstract: This article describes the Shanghai metro, whose first line is now being constructed, and will be completed later in the 1990s. The metro is urgently needed, because heavier congestion is slowing buses, even though there are still relatively few private cars. Eventually, there will be seven lines, with a total length of 176km, linking all parts of the city. On the first line, stations are being built by cut-and-cover, with diaphragm walling to a two-level design. The upper level of each station has a concourse with ticketing, telephones, retailing and access to the street; the lower level has a central 186m long platform with width between 8m and 14m. There are twin running tunnels between the stations, each with a bore of 5.2m, excavated by shield tunnelling machines. Tunnelling is difficult, because the ground is soft and waterlogged, and tunnelling must be between narrow streets laced with a maze of pipes and cables. Traffic above ground must be hindered as little as possible. Passenger flows of 40000 per hour are envisaged during peak periods. To meet this demand, six-car trains will run every 2.5 minutes. Trains will have a top speed of 80kph and a commercial speed of about 34kph. There will be a sophisticated communications system to ensure smooth and safe operation.
Publication Year: 1991
Publication Date: 1991-07-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot