Phase III Project of Hefei Metro Line 1 Opens

On July 1, the phase III project of Hefei Metro Line 1, overall designed by UCD, was officially opened to the public. This new construction will connect Hefei New & Hi tech Industrial Development Zone, Hefei Railway Station, Hefeinan Railway Station and other key transportation hubs, playing a vital role in alleviating traffic congestion along the line. Moreover, it will optimize the urban spatial layout and further facilitate green travel for the citizens of Hefei.

The phase III project serves as the north extension of the existing phase I and phase II projects of Hefei Metro Line 1. The main line spans 4.54 kilometers and is entirely underground. The stations of the phase III project, from south to north, include Yaohai Gongyuan Station, Xinghuayuan Station, and Zhangwa Station. Notably, the phase III project marks the first time in China that a shield tunneling machine has passed through the railway station building structure in close proximity without reserved conditions. This presented a significant challenge during the construction process of Hefei Metro. Faced with rare and complex working conditions in China, Hefei Metro, however, demonstrated remarkable innovation and breakthroughs in solutions, technologies, and construction methods, successfully completing all construction work for the project.

UCD has played a crucial role in the overall design of both phase I and phase II projects of Hefei Metro Line 1. With the addition of the phase III project, the Hefei metro network now boasts 136 operating stations, covering a total distance of 176 kilometers. Through its design contributions, UCD has helped visualize the expanding metro transit network, thereby improving the urban transport structure, promoting regional economic development, and enhancing the position and capacity of the city in socio-economic development.