In 2004 the local transport authority Verkehrsbetriebe Glattal (VBG) invited tenders for the railway technology services of the Glattalbahn in accordance with the WTO - one of the significant infrastructure projects in Switzerland. BURRI Public Elements was awarded the contract as full-service general contractor for the RSI railway stop infrastructure. This mandate comprises development, planning and project work as well as the design, manufacture and installation of all RSI elements: waiting areas with technical equipment, railway stop and bridge railings, security fencing, bicycle stands and toilets. A total of 44 stops with 45m platforms have been produced . As the project progressed using prototypes, the technical aspects were not the only factors to be considered - co-operation with numerous specialists, all user groups, conservation bodies and disabled associations was also of great importance.
The second phase of the Glattalbahn Light Rail has been under
construction since October 2006, comprising a new rail track measuring
5.2 kilometers in total and eight new railway stops. It connects to the
first phase at the Glattpark (Ambassador) hub and leads all the way to
Zurich airport via Lindbergplatz, the Margarethentunnel and Balsberg
train station. The viaduct from Balsberg to the airport, spanning 860
meters in length, is particularly impressive with its raised Balsberg
station railway stop. This sophisticated mix illustrates the challenge
for all involved. The Glattalbahn Light Rail is more than just a
transport system, and, in the client’s opinion, a central element of a
"cityscape of high urban quality". The superstructures: Railway stops,
catenary supports and railing systems with their modular components
create a uniform image.
Special mountings of steel plates weighing 750kg without visible bolts,
special powder coating, IP65 roof/railing tube lights with 45,000
lighting hours irrespective of length, transparent rear glass panels for
protection against birds, roof glass with silk screening for
transparency and solar protection, multi-functional railway stop/ bridge
railings with optimum potential equalization. For the benefit of
disabled persons and optimum maintenance, ticket machines, loudspeakers,
flat BURRI information and light boxes, electrical and communication
cabinets, swing-out waste bins, underground vent pipes, drainage etc.
were integrated flush with the walls.
