Madrid Metrosur Commissioned on Schedule - es/24Madrid, Friday 11th April, 2003 Metrosur was officially opened today, completing the Madrid Metro 1999-2003 extension programme in just 40 months. During the period, a grand total of 75 km of railway lines, 58 km in tunnel, together with 39 stations and 8 interchange stations have been commissioned. The final unit cost for the underground section, including rolling stock, three new depots and an electrical substation, was €42.1 million/km. The job was completed without a single lost time accident, on time, and within budget.The correct application of soil mechanics was the most important engineering element of the project, with no financial restriction imposed on soil investigation, monitoring and ground treatment. Large-diameter EPB TBMs were used for the most part, with some cut-and-cover and traditional mining. Extensive use was made of slurry walling techniques, particularly for the stations. Decisions on changed conditions were taken within 24 hours, so that work was never held up for contractual reasons. Visit www.comadrid.es or, to read the full story in downloadable pdf format, click here. 15/03. New 8000 series train leaves Colonia Jardin station.