KEO chosen to design unique monorail system for King Abdullah Financial District
The King Abdullah Financial District is a new development currently being undertaken by Rayadah Investment Company in Saudi Arabia in an effort to transform Riyadh’s burgeoning financial sector. The project is set to include over 40 towers, alongside all the major facilities, amenities, utilities and transport networks necessary in a modern business environment. Public transport connecting the district will feature a unique monorail system with all buildings, systems and six stations integrated and linked together by a self-sustained air-conditioned skywalk system enabling pedestrian access to the entire development.
KEO International Consultants has been awarded the contract by Saudi Oger Ltd. to design the 3.5 km elevated rail viaducts, switch bridges, long span bridges and 131 piers supporting the monorail train system, Station 1 and the Train Maintenance Depot. KEO deliverables include the detailed design of over 30 bridges as well as complete architectural and engineering design for the train maintenance depot and Station 1. KEO intend to carefully consider critical factors such as durability and maintenance, constructability, aesthetics, materials, economy of structural solution, and whole life cycle costs.
KEO will team up with Bombardier, Freyssinet and Scott Wilson to deliver the project for Saudi Oger Limited, which was awarded the contract by the Rayadah Investment Company - the investment vehicle of the Public Pension Agency of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design completion for the project is expected in 2011 with construction expected to be substantially finished in 2012.
|