Given the city’s geography, there is a difference in level along Line 1 of Naples’ metro system of about 235 metres, with some sections having a gradient of 5.5%, compared to the maximum limit allowed by railway standards of 6%. This gradient remains constant for almost half of the entire stretch currently in operation, which makes this the metro line with the world’s highest gradient. Particular attention has therefore had to be focused on civil design, in particular of the technical systems.
The project envisages around 18.5 km of metro line, entirely in double tunnels, as well as the construction of 19 stations.
Ansaldo STS is responsible for the final design, construction and commissioning of the following technical systems:
- traffic light and traffic safety systems
- automatic train control system and on-board diagnostic system
- overhead line
- sub-stations, power cabinets and power cables
- telecommunications systems
- ground-to-train radio system
- depot repair shop for equipment for all work (systems, machinery)
- central operations management (COM) system, station agent boxes
- rolling stock
Despite numerous construction problems due to the geography of the area and the difficult hydrogeological structure of the terrain, the first 13 km line has already been constructed and is in operation with 45 electric trains carrying on average around 100,000 passengers on weekdays, and 30,000 passengers on Sundays and holidays.
Technologically, all the stations have been designed to incorporate state-of-the-art safety systems; they provide easy access for the disabled and special facilities for the visually impaired. The stations are equipped with 76 escalators and moving walkways in total, and 47 lifts. A station agent box is installed near the turnstiles.
A further section of tunnel of around 5 km is currently under construction, together with the respective stations. In order to integrate this last section with the line currently in operation, Ansaldo STS has begun designing the technical systems, with the aim of ensuring that existing technology (the first systems date from 1990) is compatible with the latest generation systems. Monitoring activities should be concluded by 2012, when further vehicles will start to be delivered.
