OREANDA-NEWS. November 01, 2008. Work on the contract signed between Russian Railways and Libya’s Office for the Implementation of Railway Projects to construct the Sirte - Benghazi railway line is proceeding on schedule, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

At the moment, the procedural preparations for the transfer of the advance payment are being completed and the final details of the transaction settled.

In addition, preparations are underway for the construction of the 554-km railway line. Russian Railways experts are carrying out project, survey and mapping work, which is scheduled for completion in 2009.

Libya has also begun to import the construction equipment, materials and equipment for the construction settlements.

The construction site was opened on 30 August 2008.
 
According to the contract, construction of the line should be completed in 4 years at a cost of EUR2.2 billion. The double-track line will run parallel to the Mediterranean coast and will connect major cities in Libya. In the future, it will become part of international transportation corridor in northern Africa.

The project will require the construction of 30 rail and 23 road bridges and flyovers, as well as 4 major railway stations and 24 other stations, including 14 passenger stations, two cargo stations, 4 freight stations and 4 operating stations.

According to estimates, the structures on the project will require more than 203,000 cubic metres of concrete and 40 tons of metal.

Constructing the line involve some 3,400 building workers, including 289 engineers, and over 200 pieces of equipment.