Thessaloniki’s New Metro Line Spurs Revival of the City’s Ancient Legacy
As Thessaloniki prepares for the long-anticipated inauguration of its first automated metro line on November 30, 2024, the city’s landscape is set to transform in more ways than one.
This ground-breaking project, led by global construction giant Webuild, isn’t merely a transit development; it’s an ambitious fusion of state-of-the-art transportation technology and historical preservation. The new Thessaloniki Metro, stretching across 10 kilometres with 13 stations, promises not only to revolutionise urban travel but also to shed light on Thessaloniki’s rich historical tapestry.
With intricate planning, engineering feats, and remarkable archaeological finds, this project exemplifies how modern infrastructure can coexist with cultural heritage.
Overcoming Urban Challenges with Tunnel Boring Machines
Thessaloniki’s metro construction presented unique challenges from the outset. Set within one of Greece’s most densely populated urban centres, the project required precision engineering to ensure minimal disruption while safeguarding priceless archaeological sites. To achieve this, much of the line was built using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), an engineering choice that allowed the team to dig deep below the city without disturbing its bustling surface.
The metro’s tunnels were constructed at an average depth of 20 metres, minimising the impact on both the ancient and modern cityscape. TBMs enabled the team to carve through Thessaloniki’s layered history, revealing relics from the Byzantine era. These machines offered a controlled method of excavation, allowing the team to make critical adjustments as discoveries emerged.
Historical Artefacts in Unexpected Places
During the project’s excavation, the engineering team encountered an array of Byzantine artefacts, adding both a challenge and an enriching element to the development.
Significant finds, including walls and ancient roadways, led the construction team to rethink station designs in certain areas. For example, at Demokratias Station, plans were adjusted to ensure these relics remained in place, ultimately shifting the station’s location by 10 metres to accommodate a Byzantine wall.
The team’s sensitivity to these discoveries is a reminder of the delicate balance between urban expansion and historical preservation. With each find, Webuild collaborated closely with archaeologists to recover, enhance, and incorporate these artefacts into the metro’s design, transforming the stations into historical showcases where commuters can appreciate the city’s heritage in real-time.
Automated, Eco-Friendly Transit
Once fully operational, the Thessaloniki Metro will be a technological leap for Greece. Built in partnership with Elliniko Metro and a consortium that includes Italy’s Hitachi and Greece’s Aktor, the metro boasts a fully automated system that promises unprecedented efficiency.
Trains will run at intervals of just 90 seconds during peak hours, expected to serve up to 315,000 passengers each day. This frequency not only enhances travel convenience but also positions Thessaloniki among Europe’s elite in urban transit innovation.
Beyond efficiency, the metro will have a profound environmental impact. The reduction in vehicle traffic is projected to prevent an estimated 77,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing around 60,000 cars from Thessaloniki’s streets each day. This aligns with Greece’s broader commitment to sustainability and its goal to reduce urban pollution.
Preserving the Past, Building for the Future
The Thessaloniki Metro project exemplifies how urban infrastructure can contribute to environmental sustainability without compromising cultural heritage. As an eco-conscious alternative to car travel, it stands as a model for how cities can reduce emissions and ease congestion.
Additionally, the integration of ancient artefacts into the metro’s design sets a new benchmark for infrastructure projects in historically significant cities worldwide.
By balancing innovation with preservation, Webuild and its partners have created a metro system that acknowledges both the future needs and the past legacy of Thessaloniki.
Key Project Partnerships and the Road Ahead
The Thessaloniki Metro wouldn’t have reached this milestone without the collaboration of diverse international expertise. Italian engineering firm Hitachi, renowned for its advanced rail technology, provided the automation systems, while Greek company Aktor played a crucial role in construction and local coordination. Together with Webuild, they have laid the groundwork for a world-class metro system that embodies Greek innovation and European cooperation.
With the inauguration just weeks away, Thessaloniki is on the cusp of a new era of connectivity. The metro line, when launched, will not only modernise public transit in the city but also offer a daily reminder of its vibrant history and cultural depth.
A Look to the Future
The Thessaloniki Metro stands as an example of how cities can harmonise modern infrastructure with cultural heritage. As the first automated metro line in Thessaloniki, this project is more than just a transportation upgrade; it’s a commitment to the city’s future.
The environmentally-friendly benefits, combined with the preservation of archaeological treasures, signal a new way forward for urban development in historically rich regions.
