Dublin Metrolink - future routes for next Metrolink

Last Stop wrote: »

This would require the tracks in the tunnel to be stacked. This option was looked at as part of the tunnel configuration study for Metrolink and Dart underground but they chose single bore side by side for Metrolink so if you’re tying into that at Stephens Green you need the same tunnel configuration.

Not really. The tracks can twist between different configurations over the length of the single bore tunnel. Think of it like a length of 4” drainpipe with two lengths of flexible 2” water pipe inside. the water pipes can be side by side at one end and stacked at the other.

antoinolachtnai wrote: »

Not really. The tracks can twist between different configurations over the length of the single bore tunnel. Think of it like a length of 4” drainpipe with two lengths of flexible 2” water pipe inside. the water pipes can be side by side at one end and stacked at the other.

That would require the height and widths allowed per tram to be the same. You’ve over simplified it.

reg114 wrote: »

Dublin was recently added to the list of capitals that will suffer from flooding on a regular basis due to rising sea levels. To even contemplate building a subterranean transport network given that threat would be foolish in the extreme. I stand by what I said before, Dublin will not get a metro system.

A full flood risk assessment will be completed as part of the planning application.
If Amsterdam can build a metro despite being below flood level, I think Dublin will be fine.

reg114 wrote: »

Dublin was recently added to the list of capitals that will suffer from flooding on a regular basis due to rising sea levels. To even contemplate building a subterranean transport network given that threat would be foolish in the extreme. I stand by what I said before, Dublin will not get a metro system.

Metro does not have to be underground, could be elevated (like the DART loop line)

Last Stop wrote: »

Which is still bigger than the proposed Metrlink tunnel

Have they stated what tunnel diameter it is intended to use?

It seems more likely that the promoters will increase the diameter or use twin-bore, than that they will build a station at Camden St.

(A stacked configuration at Dunville Avenue would seem like it would make it a lot easier to later link to the Luas line on the narrow site.)

Last Stop wrote: »

Looking like 9.2m external diameter. This report also explains why mono tube was ruled out (cost and waste)
Beechwood station (at Dunville Ave) was cut and cover from tunnel portal. To build a stacked station here would have added significantly to the cost and green line closure.

https://www.metrolink.ie/assets/downloads/MetroLink_PR_Design_Development.pdf#page32

That cut and cover station might be built stacked though. I have not seen a plan for how they intend to eventually join these lines without requiring an extended disruption to the service. The stacked configuration whether in a TBM tunnel or in cut-and-cover facilitates a narrower footprint. It also allows use of sharper gradients at the portal which may result in a shorter footprint too

Last Stop wrote: »

How could you go from a single bore tunnel to a stacked station in a couple of hundred metres? The gradient on the upper level would be huge and then you’d still have issues with actually tying into the green line.
The issues would arguably be bigger as you’d go from tracks at the same level to tracks at different levels and then back to tracks at the same levels

.

Put the tunnel-bound track on the lower level. The gradient downwards can be as sharp as you like as long as it is not unduly uncomfortable.

Last Stop wrote: »

Metros typically have a maximum gradient of 5%. Just because it’s downhill doesn’t mean that limit doesn’t apply. Anything over 5% and you’re into special requirements from rolling stock which drives up the cost.

What extra costs are there for trains that can run down steep grades?

Pity the church isn't being demolished. Horrendously ugly.

Nimbys aren't the problem, you get nimbys everywhere. The problem is the state folding like a cheap suit every time some minor nimby nonsense comes up. Now its god's grass verge. Laughable.

Ecuador just opened a metro folks. Ecuador.

I really like the Luas.

However, unless it is small spurs off existing lines, I think we need to think more along the lines of a 20-40 year plan for multiple underground metro lines across the city, alongside the DU and the original Metro West orbital style piblic transport.

The Green line was (is?) a great piece of infrastructure, but only for a small number of people in Ranelagh, would be a fully fledged metro line within the next 7 or 8 years instead of remaining as is. Meanwhile, the Red Line is not a big enough piece of transport to serve the biggest suburb in the country, Tallaght, which is essentially a small city.

The last few pages have shown how low our expectations for positive transport changes are. We nearly settle for scraps rather than properly believing we can do better. Some are annoyed that the residents of the sw part of the city dare to expect more for their area in their calls for a metro. Parish pump comments from people who probably won't benefit from a metro line in that area but know the current plans benefit them.

I live on the northside but more power to the residents of the sw for puting pressure on their public reps to get a metro line out there.

At the very least ALL residents of the city deserve a proper 20-40 year plan of proposed transport investment for ALL of the city, that is backed by all political parties. Some areas like the SW clearly deserve to be next in line, but we should all have a timeframe across the board and know the plans for our areas.

Anyhow, I believe the Metrolink will be built and will be a great success and the above will end up happening, though I don't expect it to happen in my working lifetime.

donvito99 wrote: »

The reason I among others are annoyed is because the purpose of pushing for a Metro now is a means of stopping Bus Connects in that part of the City.

Why not aim for something potentially better than Bus Connects?