LUAS Tram System
Project Description
The LUAS contract was the largest engineering project ever undertaken in Ireland. This Design and Construct contract was awarded to a consortium AMB comprising MVM Rail, Ballast Needam International and Ansaldo. MVM Rail equity in the project was 66%. AMB was responsible for the design and construction of a complete Light Rail System in a 500 year old inner city. The works comprised the construction of a new 15 kilometre railway between Tallaght and Connolly, and a 9 kilometre railway between Sandyford and St Stephens Green. The system was designed and constructed to the latest international standards appropriate to a modern standard-gauge Light Rail System. Overall the construction works included: Civil works, involving 10 bridges (the largest involved 60 tonne steel beam lifts); 36 tram stop stations, 6 below ground sub-stations and 7 above ground sub-stations; retaining walls; earthworks incorporating the service ducts for high and low voltage, drainage requirements; the diversion of many services of all types, the construction and reconstruction of roads including reconstruction of 64 road intersections inclusive of new traffic lights.
Project Outcome
The project was completed on Schedule.
Construction Innovations
The use of top down construction using both Ironhorse frames and sacrificial beams.