BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2005

Recently, officials turned on the switch for Bulgaria's last unelectrified rail section which forms part of a key European transport corridor connecting Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, to the Greek border near Thessalonica. Louis Berger SAS, in association with DE Consult, SYSTRA and CTC & Trademco, provided program management services for the two-year project.

The Team managed the electrification program, as well as the construction of new bridges, the realignment of 15 kilometers of track and the upgrade of telecommunications and electrical systems. The Team also supervised the rehabilitation of culverts, drainage and earthworks and the waterproofing of tunnels. To minimize economic loss, Team members worked with contractors and Bulgarian State Rail officials to ensure train operation during construction and conducted seminars and on-the-job training for Bulgarian State Rail officials.

Bucharest is a city of contrasts. Modern buildings stand alongside some of Europe's most beautiful historic architecture and traditional Romanian culture blends with Austrian, Hungarian, Russian and Turkish influences to create a charming international city. With a population of more than two million, Romania's capital and key economic center produces more than 21 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. Since the city is a hub for travel, upgrading the links between Bucharest and other regions has been a key priority for national planners in recent years.

As part of a €40 million initiative, Romania Railways (CFR) officials selected Louis Berger SAS, with DE Consult and ALR Consultant, to upgrade and modernize the Bucharest-Baneasa-Fetesti rail line to meet European Union standards. This 141-kilometer line has 18 stations and is a critical rail link between the capital and Constanta, Romania's largest port.

The Team identified the necessary improvements, including the expansion of the longitudinal profile and side platforms, improved drainage and counter-curbs, the upgrade of bridges and culverts and the installation of new electrical and communications systems. The Team then assisted CFR in the preparation of cost estimates, tender documents, schedules and coordinated the implementation program. During the tender period, Team members assisted in pre-contract discussions and negotiations.

To ensure that the upgrades met national and international standards, Berger experts also prepared a project manual and detailed quality guidelines for contractors and CFR officials. The Bucharest-Baneasa-Fetesti rail line is heavily used for both passenger and cargo traffic. To avoid repeated closures and revenue loss, the Team scheduled the track and technical improvements and carefully monitored progress to ensure the upgrades were completed on-time and within budget. Following the completion of the improvements, rail specialists supervised the commissioning, including trial runs and test operation of the railway and certified the improvements.