Infrastructure for the BVB
Ceremonial laying of the foundation stones for modern infrastructure buildings
Basle, 07.11.2013 – Around 150 guests took part in the ceremony for the laying of the foundation stones of the two new buildings designed by ATP kfp Zürich for the Basle Transport Corporation (BVB). In 2012 ATP kfp Zürich was the winner of an invited competition.
In his speech the Chairman of the Building and Transport Department, Hans-Peter Wessels, referred to the planned expansion of the tram network over the next few years and to the need for a modern and efficient BVB infrastructure.
An operational building and workshop will be built. These will combine to provide the BVB with a new operational center on the site of the earlier Frigosuisse premises on Münchensteinerstraße. This will then be home to the entire Infrastructure Department, which is currently spread around a series of partly aging buildings across the BVB site.
The new operational building will consist of open-plan offices: a number of stores and the vehicle hall will be brought together under the same roof. Material for the rails will be delivered directly to the Permanent Way Workshop where it will be prepared for integration into the network before being delivered to site. The two buildings cost a total of around 27.5 million francs and should be ready for occupation in the second quarter of 2015.
The Infrastructure Department is responsible for the entire permanent way, electrical plant and real estate of the BVB. The department has around 100 employees. Amongst other things they ensure the operational safety of the tracks, ensure that points and signals operate perfectly and keep the tram stops clean. The Infrastructure Department is the basis on which the BVB can operate its core business, the transporting of people.
Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB)
