The Gautrain project is developing smoothly, with advancements in overall construction, and tunnelling and track laying progress.
Construction update
Work within the OR Tambo International Airport Station concourse are well advanced and sample ticket vending machines and fare gates have been installed. Externally, erection of the platform structures on Viaduct 15, which links to the departures level of the new central terminal building, is complete and erection of the structural steel platform canopy has commenced.
The last deck segment for the viaduct span at Jean Avenue/N14 interchange in Centurion has been cast. The arched forms of these long deck spans are now clearly identifiable at the busy intersection.
Tunnel progress
Of the 15km underground route of Gautrain almost 14 302 metres have been excavated. The Gautrain tunnel route stretches from Johannesburg Park Station, under the Johannesburg Hospital, Parktown Ridge, Rosebank, Sandton, and Marlboro, surfacing at the Marlboro Portal.
Tunnel breakthrough between Emergency Shaft 7 and the main tunnel was achieved on June 22. Shaft E7 is located on the western side of Rivonia Road. The single-track rail tunnel between Park Station and Sandton Station has seven emergency access shafts. These shafts will provide emergency services personnel access to the tunnels below. At the bottom of certain shafts there will be safe havens where passengers can gather in case of an emergency.
Track progress
Just less than 150km of track needs to be laid for the Gautrain route. By the end of July around 27% of the process will be complete.
Mercedes-Benz buses for Gautrain
The Bombela Concession Company recently awarded the contract to supply 125 buses for Gautrain's bus fleet to Mercedes-Benz South Africa. Jerome Govender, CEO of the Bombela Concession Company, says: "The dedicated bus service is a critical part of the Gautrain system as it provides an alternative to cars as a mode of access to Gautrain stations."
