For several American cities, the infrastructure for their public transit systems have been in place for more than a century. It’s almost like Chicago, New York City, and Boston laid down train tracks the day after they were founded.
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia and the home to 6 million people, is building its first light rail system from scratch.
Tech Insider reports that the city is building six metro lines that connect 85 stations over nearly 110 miles of track. Also, a new bus system will be implemented.
For $10 billion, the Saudi government hired the U.S. construction and civil engineering firm Bechtel to lead the project. Bechtel assembled a group of contractor firms, and they are using 1,000-ton boring machines to hollow out train tunnels underneath the city for nearly 40 miles of track for 39 stations.
A few major architects have even designed train stations. Zaha Hadid Architects, for instance, designed the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, which will connect Lines 1, 4, and 6. The building will have a wavy lattice exterior and will contain four public levels and two underground levels of parking.
The trains themselves will be nicer than any American rapid transit vehicle. The trains will be automatic, driverless, fully air conditioned, and Wi-Fi accessible. They can run up to 90 mph. Around 20% of the system’s power will come from solar energy.
The new transit system is expected to be ready by the end of 2018. Public transit will come just in time for the growing city, as estimates say that Riyadh’s population could reach 9 million by 2035.
Exterior of the King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station. Rendering courtesy Zaha Hadid Architects. Click to enlarge.
Related Stories
| Jul 1, 2013
Report: Global construction market to reach $15 trillion by 2025
A new report released today forecasts the volume of construction output will grow by more than 70% to $15 trillion worldwide by 2025.
| Jun 28, 2013
Building owners cite BIM/VDC as 'most exciting trend' in facilities management, says Mortenson report
A recent survey of more than 60 building owners and facility management professionals by Mortenson Construction shows that BIM/VDC is top of mind among owner professionals.
| Jun 5, 2013
USGBC: Free LEED certification for projects in new markets
In an effort to accelerate sustainable development around the world, the U.S. Green Building Council is offering free LEED certification to the first projects to certify in the 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root.
| Jun 3, 2013
Construction spending inches upward in April
The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce announced today that construction spending during April 2013 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $860.8 billion, 0.4 percent above the revised March estimate of $857.7 billion.
| May 20, 2013
4 emerging trends in parking structure design
Survey of parking professionals reveals how technology is transforming the parking industry.
| May 3, 2013
'LEED for all GSA buildings,' says GSA Green Building Advisory Committee
The Green Building Advisory Committee established by the General Services Administration, officially recommended to GSA that the LEED green building certification system be used for all GSA buildings as the best measure of building efficiency.
| May 2, 2013
A snapshot of the world's amazing construction feats (in one flashy infographic)
From the Great Pyramids of Giza to the U.S. Interstate Highway System, this infographic outlines interesting facts about some of the world's most notable construction projects.
| May 1, 2013
Groups urge Congress: Keep energy conservation requirements for government buildings
More than 350 companies urge rejection of special interest efforts to gut key parts of Energy Independence and Security Act
| Apr 30, 2013
Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course
Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Apr 24, 2013
Los Angeles may add cool roofs to its building code
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wants cool roofs added to the city’s building code. He is also asking the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to create incentives that make it financially attractive for homeowners to install cool roofs.
