In the middle section of metro line M3, the seven deepest stations will be comprehensively reconstructed. Works of Arany János utca and Ferenciek tere in the city center started already in March 2020, then in July Corvin-negyed and Semmelweis Klinikák, and in November Nyugati pályaudvar, Deák Ferenc tér and Kálvin tér stations became construction areas closed from passengers. On January 11 this year, the modernization of the tunnel also started, so a complete reconstruction is taking place on about five kilometers of line section.
In the passenger areas of the stations, apart from a few images, nothing evokes the former visual world. The characteristic coverings and furniture have disappeared, the dismantled materials are lined up on the platforms in bags and piles, so that they can be delivered to the Kőér utca vehicle depot of BKV Zrt. with an overnight or weekend delivery. Demolition of escalators over more than forty years old, is one of the most difficult tasks, as multi-tonne elements needed to be made mobile and transported to the destination via narrow subways or openings to the surface - mostly above ground, in traffic. At Arany János utca and Ferenciek tere stations, the connection between the platform and the surface is already provided by a temporary stair structure, at the other stations going up and down is possible to via a remaining off-duty escalator.
The demolition of electrical and mechanical equipment is also a challenge, as the underground power supply and fresh air supply must be replaced by the construction of temporary systems. To operate these, cable identification and changes are performed in the low, narrow spaces of the cable ducts under the platforms. The main vents, located at a depth of about thirty meters, are cut into pieces, the smaller elements are carried to the platform level in narrow stairs, in bags, the larger parts reach the track through connecting tunnels and leave the station area on rail carriages, so-called flat wagons.
In many cases, the service areas are being transformed, adapting to the space requirements of modern, smaller-scale mechanical systems and equipment, so that the structural reconstructions can be observed in several places according to the plans.
Since the beginning of the metro renovation, we have been paying special attention to the identification and professional removal of asbestos-containing materials and insulation. The building material, which was once popular all over the world with its excellent thermal insulation properties, can also be found in the stations in the middle section of the line. Following the strict rules of asbestos removal, the zones are being built and the areas are being cleaned of all substances harmful to health.
The construction of the elevator providing barrier-free access to the Deák Ferenc tér station has been going on in Erzsébet tér since last spring. The excavation of the elevator shaft, which was completed during the foundation of the National Theater, which was planned here 25 years ago, and its dredging to 26 meters by mining method have already been completed, and the connecting corridor to the metro station platform level has also been completed.
Chemical cleaning of the track is carried out in the tunnel, as well as preparatory work processes, including geodetic observation and inspections of the location of new cable support systems. With the demolition of the left track within days, the complete reconstruction of the track will begin.
Although the metro is still running in Nagyvárad tér and Lehel tér, preparations are underway for the modernization of both stations. In the vicinity of Nagyvárad tér metro station, public utility replacements are already being carried out, which is necessary due to the installation of the elevators, as the entire line will be barrier-free after the reconstruction.
Click HERE for the video compilation about the works and HERE for the pictures!
Photos: Bence Horváth
Video: Júlia Vincze
