Minsk Metro Circular Line: When Construction Will Begin and Where the Route Will Pass

Mikhail Rudko, director of the 'Minskmetraproject' institute, told Minsk-News where the circular line will pass, how the stations will be designed, and why 10-meter tunnel boring machines might be needed.

Six Interchange Stations

— Active development continues on the most ambitious project in the history of our metro – the fourth line, whose route will predominantly follow the capital's second transport ring, — noted the director of the 'Minskmetraproject' institute. — Its total length, including connecting branches and access to the new electric depot, will be about 27 km. As planned, it will have 15-17 stations, six of which will be interchange stations.

Initially, the entire load of servicing the rolling stock will be handled by the 'Slutskoye' electric depot, located in Asanaliyev Lane. However, given the increase in the number of new electric trains, the construction of another modern depot will be required later. It will be located on the territory of the heating equipment plant on Timiryazeva Street.

Павялічыць

Four main launch sections, which will be built in stages, remain relevant. Their initial connection points are Partizansky Avenue (stations 'Partizanskaya' or 'Traktorny Zavod'), the 'Minsk World' residential complex ('Aerodromnaya'), Kharkovskaya and Dolgobrodskaya streets. The sequence of their construction is still being discussed.

Most likely, the second launch section will pass towards Drazhnya, where an interchange to the 'Akademiya Nauk' (Academy of Sciences) station will need to be organized. Unlike 'Park Druzhby Narodov' (Friendship of Peoples Park) and 'Aerodromnaya', which were originally designed as interchange stations, this will require a very complex reconstruction without stopping traffic on the Moskovskaya Line, which will demand unconventional approaches and solutions from specialists.

Preparation for Construction

The starting section of the first launch complex, with a total length of about 4 km, will include three stations: 'Maksima Bahdanovicha' (interchange), 'Staravilenski Shlyakh' and 'Viasnianka'.

As of today, structural solutions for two of them have already been adopted, while those for the third are still being developed. A separate project is being prepared for the demolition of buildings and structures, as well as for the relocation of engineering networks located along this section's path.

The implementation of the project and, accordingly, preparation for the construction of the circular line, are planned to begin by the end of the current year.

— This is necessary to free up territory for the tunnel boring mechanized complexes 'Alesia' and 'Maria,' — stressed M. Rudko. — In the future, the acquisition of new shields is not ruled out. Moreover, they could be of a larger diameter than the six-meter 'Alesia' and 'Maria' (specifically, 10 and 13 m). This will allow metro builders to solve more complex tasks.

Павялічыць

A 10-meter shield is double-track. It requires larger volumes of concrete for tunnel lining, but at the same time, it has less impact on nearby residential, administrative, and industrial buildings. And a 13-meter giant is even capable of accommodating a standard platform section of a station.

Station Designs

When designing the circular line, many factors are taken into account: passenger traffic levels, the creation of transport hubs — nodes for convenient access for Minsk residents and city guests to metro stations. It is also necessary to consider the construction of new residential complexes 'Paunochny Berag' (North Shore) and 'Zialiony Bor' (Green Forest). All of this is incorporated into the design solutions.

The plans for constructing the circular line must be closely linked to geological features, the level of territory development, the location of engineering communications, and other factors.

— We are preparing proposals for the design of the first three station complexes, — continued M. Rudko. — In the interiors of these facilities, the main focus will be on tinting, concrete, painting, and architectural lighting. The renders still need to undergo the necessary approvals.

All these stations will be of column type and shallow depth — at a level of 15 to 25 meters. The floor will be made of granite, the walls — partially painted or faced with porcelain stoneware. The columns will also be faced. The ceilings will primarily be painted.

The first stations of the fourth line will have their own thematic concepts:

• Maksima Bahdanovicha — the interior will be inspired by the imagery of the poet's verses, embodied in stone and metal.
• Staravilenski Shlyakh — will reflect a modern approach to urban architecture.
• Viasnianka — will be designed in the concept of spring awakening: light color scheme, restrained decorativeness, and a light, cozy atmosphere.

Minimize Costs

In their work, specialists from 'Minskmetraproject' use not only their own extensive experience but also foreign developments. They actively participate in conferences of the Tunnel Association of Russia, which is part of the corresponding international structure, and also prepare publications for its professional journal.

With the participation of Minsk specialists, six metro stations have already been built in Moscow. Their track record also includes stations and depots in Baku and Almaty.

Павялічыць

— The progress of the circular line project entirely depends on the concentration of necessary resources, the availability of qualified personnel, and other components, — summarized M. Rudko. — We hope that all of this can be brought together during the construction of the fourth line.

There is no need to build actual palaces out of stations with architectural excesses. But at the same time, they must be functional, original, and aesthetically appealing.

I would also note that the main cost of metro construction is not the station interiors, but the enormous volume of various underground works that designers strive to optimize as much as possible. That is why all metro stations in Minsk are built using the open-cut method, which significantly reduces the costs of their construction.

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