Breakthrough for Thessaloniki metroIn 2007, Attiko Metro of Athens awarded the EUR958 million contract for design, construction and commissioning of the 9.5 km Thessaloniki metro to an Italian-Greek JV composed of Aegek, Impregilo, Ansaldo trasporti Spa, Ansaldo Bresa Spa and Seli SpA. The new metro line will run at a maximum depth of 27 m from the new railway station in the west of the city to Nea Elvetia Terminal Station on the east side, with 13 new stations. It will be constructed with two independent single-track tunnels, mostly (7.7 km) by means of two EPB TBMs driving from two opposite portals. The remaining section of the Line will be constructed by the Cut and Cover method. The final tunnels will have an internal diameter of 5.30 m and an external diameter of 5.90 m and will be lined with 30 cm-thick precast concrete segments.On 10.11.2009 the TBM Sud (TBM1) broke through in Sintrivani crossover, while the TBM Nord (TBM2) has constructed 1,700 m of parallel tunnel and is moving towards Aghia Sofia Station. When completed in 2013, the metro line will carry 18,000 passengers/hour for each track, with a train frequency of 90 seconds. For more click gr/13, and here. Visit www.ametro.gr and www.selitunnel.com. 49/09.