In a previous blog we took a look at infrastructure projects that could have been but never were.
Now, we’re taking a look at 10 giant infrastrucutre pojects currently in the works or recently completed that have the potential to not only reshape the cities where they are being constructed but possibly have world-wide effects.
Gotthard Base Tunnel
The Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland opened on June 1, 2016, after 17 years of construction. The 35-mile-long tunnel through the Alps is the longest and deepest train tunnel in the world. Amazingly, the $12 billion project was completed on time but did take the lives of nine people during construction. According to a New York Times article, “it took 125 workers in three shifts round-the-clock to install the concrete slab track on which the trains will run, with some sections as deep as 1.4 miles.”
The high-speed rail running through the Gotthard Base Tunnel will cut the train trip between Zurich and Milan by about 45 minutes. The Swiss government hopes the high speed rail and tunnel will revolutionize freight and passenger transportation.
Riyadh Metro
Designed to revolutionize how residents of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, get around, the $23.5 billion Riyadh Metro rail line features 109 miles of railway. The project will include creating six main metro lines and 85 stations. Construction started in 2014 with planned completion and operation by 2019. More info
By K. Hegeman www.forconstructionpros.com
