DENMARK: The Odense tramway is set to open at the end of May, after the contractor formally handed the project over to owner Odense Letbane when regulatory approval for operation was received on April 26.
In June 2017 the CME consortium led by COMSA with subcontractors Munck and Efacec was awarded the DKr1·2bn railway systems contract for the 14·5 km, 26-stop double-track line from Tarup in the northwest to Hjallese in the south of the city, including the track, signalling, telecoms, the control and maintenance centre and testing.
Requirements included the use of anti-vibration track materials, while more than 500 m2 of solar panels, thermal insulation and the use of natural light make the depot self-sufficient in energy.
Construction continued during the coronavirus pandemic, but activities had to be rescheduled and co-ordination with other works in the city became more difficult.
The opening had been planned for the end of 2021, but was put back because of delays to work to ensure there is no electrical interference with Banedanmark’s main line railway safety systems.
Keolis has a 15-year operating contract, and four weeks of test running to a full timetable but without passengers began the day after the handover from the construction contractor. If no unforeseen issues arise, public services are now expected to begin at the end of May.
