BERERIX, the joint venture involving BESIX, Rizzani de Eccher, and SIA RERE BŪVE, is achieving significant milestones in the construction of the Central Station in Riga, Latvia. This project is part of the larger Rail Baltica project, which aims to integrate the Baltic States into the European rail network and enhance connectivity between the cities of Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, and Warsaw. Let’s delve into the latest developments!
The arch footings: a perfect feat of engineering
At the end of September, BERERIX achieved a major milestone by completing the installation of the first arch footings on the west side of Riga Central Station. These arch footings serve as the foundation for the station's roof structure, which will be a defining feature of the new station.
To move these colossal structures around the construction site, a special self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) system is employed. This system allows for precise movement and placement of the arch footings.
Lifting these massive arch footings into position is an equally impressive feat. The task is entrusted to the largest crawler crane in the Baltic region, emphasizing the extraordinary engineering prowess harnessed in this project. The arch footings are elevated above the level of the railway platforms, setting the stage for the station's roof frame structure.
The roof structure: defining the station's outline
The arch footings' installation marks the initiation of construction of the station's roof frame structure. By the end of November, a total of eight arch footings will be installed. To achieve this, our teams are working round-the-clock!
Three of these arch footings, weighing between 38 to 41 tons each, have already been successfully installed on the west side. At the moment, three more steel arch footings are being placed on the eastern side of the station. Lastly, two elements will be installed on the southern side, each weighing around 65 tonnes. The culmination of this effort will result in the station's roof reaching almost 30 meters in height.
Due to the immense size and weight of these individual components, they are meticulously assembled on-site over several days.
The Central Station area: a technological marvel
The Rail Baltica Central Station represents the most extensive and technically complex portion of the Rail Baltica Riga Central Hub project. In the coming months, BERERIX plans to complete the concrete paving for the railway track bed on the third floor. Simultaneously, the initial elements of the roof structure, comprised of thousands of steel bars interconnected with steel nodes, will be installed.
Additionally, the concreting of the third-floor slab structure began in September, marking another significant milestone for the project. This meticulous process will continue until November.
