Turner & Townsend has won the project management contract for the extension of platforms at the main train station servicing Africa’s busiest airport.

The platforms at the Gautrain Station at OR Tambo International Airport, near Johannesburg in South Africa, will be lengthened to accommodate four-carriage trains – doubling the current passenger capacity.

The scheme includes extending the existing roof canopy, and – with the use of precast concrete slabs – widening the platform as well as extend the length by 55m. In addition, the concrete parapet wall will be extended and two fire escape towers constructed.

The year-long project is part of a medium-to-long-term strategy to attract more passengers to use the Gautrain system – an integrated rapid rail network linking the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria with the airport.

Turner & Townsend associate director Noluthando Molao said: “One of the key challenges of the project is that the trains must be fully operational at all times to ensure there is no disruption to the Gautrain service.

“Coupled with this, the construction is being carried out at approximately 18 metres above ground level, with the one of the airport’s access roads directly beneath the construction site. Noise and dust will be minimised with most of the work being completed off site while construction will only be undertaken during specific times as agreed.”

Source and Link:  The Construction Index