Constructing a transfer
Elektrozavodskaya station of the Big Circle Line opened for passengers on December 31, 2020. But on Semenovskaya embankment, work continues on the construction of an interchange to the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line. Our correspondent found out how the tunneling is progressing.
After the launch of the new Elektrozavodskaya, construction site No. 6 was significantly reduced. Now section No. 8 of TO-6 operates here under the leadership of Alexey Gorelov. Every day, a watch of 25 people descends to a depth of 25 meters and day after day, meter by meter, the two stations of the same name are brought closer to each other.
The size of the pit is small - only 15 by 20 meters. Metro construction workers get to the bottom using an elevator. Loads are lowered by a crane, whose maneuvers are limited due to cramped conditions. Below, behind the gates installed to preserve heat, two human walkers were built, which passengers will use in the future. There are already openings between the walkers, which measure three by five meters.
The tunneling is done manually. Drilling and blasting operations are prohibited here. Although they would be of great help when encountering limestone, layers of which are found among loams. But due to the proximity of existing metro lines and railways, work is being carried out with great caution.
The right walker has already been passed. The construction of the left one is also coming to an end, 12 meters remain. This is where the main work of specialists is now concentrated. The face is like a waterfall. Under a continuous flow of water, metro construction workers in protective rubber raincoats conquer the elements. The tray part is reinforced, metal insulation is welded and concrete is pumped behind the lining.
“The water inflow is impressive, 40-50 cubic meters per hour,” Alexander Mamaev, foreman of section No. 8 TO-6, shares his observations. - This is groundwater. We cope with drainage machines.
Next, both walkways will become a single tunnel with a diameter of 9.5 meters. They plan to walk in semicircles, first from above, then from below. There will be approximately 60 meters left to the existing station of the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line and about a year of work.
The approaches towards the new Elektrozavodskaya BKL are already ready, there are escalators. Now they are carefully closed with a temporary wall. The opening will be opened when the transplant is ready. The foundation pit will be covered and backfilled.