The joint test runs to be conducted at all stations to ensure the safety of the operations of the metro were launched at the Aalto University station. Power failure tests went as planned, but fire tests revealed faults in the operation and control of equipment.
The aim of the joint test runs is to ensure that the metro is safe to use and that all of the 52 different systems work together. Although each system has been tested separately, the readiness of a station cannot be established until all the systems have been used simultaneously in emergency situations.
– “The results of the joint test run carried out at the Aalto University station show that the test phase will take longer than anticipated. We launched actions to repair the defects and faults detected in the tests immediately. New joint fire tests will be carried out as soon as the repair operations have been completed,” says Matti Kokkonen, CEO of Länsimetro.
The metro will not be ready to open in January 2017, as previously estimated. An opening schedule estimate requires that three stations have passed the joint test runs. The purpose of the joint test runs is to test the operations of all the different systems, such as building technology, safety automation, power supply monitoring, physical access control, fire-extinguishing systems, reserve power and smoke ventilation, in various emergencies. Emergencies include, for example, fire, power failure and data transmission equipment fault. The tests also aim to ensure that all the systems are restored to normal.
– “It is extremely unfortunate that the commissioning of the metro has been delayed from the previous estimates. However, we are about to complete the seven-year work. We are looking for solutions to keep the delay as short as possible without compromising the functioning and safety of the metro,” says Olli Isotalo, Chairman of the Board of Länsimetro Oy.
The rescue authorities of Helsinki and Espoo will approve the security systems based on the test results. After this, the building authorities of the cities are free to approve the use of the stations and rail tunnels. Helsinki City Transport (HKL) will ensure that the track engineering security systems, including semaphore systems and indicators, are working properly. Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) will decide when passenger traffic on the metro begins and when feeder bus lines start operating.
Further information:
Länsimetro Oy, CEO Matti Kokkinen, tel. +358 (0)50 347 1558
Olli Isotalo, Chairman of the Board of Länsimetro Oy, tel. +358 (0)50 593 3359