COUPLERS ON THE COPENHAGEN MINI-METRO

The first part of the new Copenhagen mini-metro route in Denmark will be opened in October 2002. The first phase starts at Noerreport and finishes at Lergravsparken or Oerestad. Driverless metro trains will run frequently and without a timetable. Phase 2a between Noerreport and Frederiksberg and Phase 2b between Frederiksberg and Vanloese will open in 2003. Phase 3 to Copenhagen Airport is scheduled to open in 2006. Construction is by the Comet consortium, with a budget of #892m. The metro runs in circular section tunnels drilled with a tunnel-boring machine. Where trains have to switch tracks, the tunnel cross-section is oval and the tunnel is created with the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. Where the metro surfaces the cut-and-cover method is used. All stations are constructed 'top down' except for Christianshavn Torv, which is constructed 'bottom up'. A metro transfer tunnel is being constructed at Noerreport to allow access to the above-ground Danish State Railways.