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On June 3, 2015, the final rail welding of the elevated section of Metro Line 3 was completed, marking the full opening of the elevated section of Metro Line 3.

Recently, significant progress has been made in the construction of Xi'an Metro Line 3 – the long-track connection has been achieved from Guangtaimen to the Gangwu District depot. As of now, 63 kilometers of track bed paving have been completed for Line 3, laying the foundation for the full long-track connection by the end of the year.

Riding on the viaduct with a picturesque view outside the window

The section from Guangtaimen to the Gangwu District depot of Xi'an Metro Line 3 is the only elevated line among the planned Lines 1 to 6 in Xi'an, spanning 11.6 kilometers. Metro Line 3 runs from south to north before turning east. After passing Guangtaimen Station, it emerges from underground, passing through seven stations: Taohuatan, Chanba Center, Xianghuwan, Wuzhuang, International Gangwu District, Shuangzhai, and Xinzhu. To avoid Zhengzhou-Xi'an High-Speed Rail, Line 3 goes underground again and arrives at its final destination, Baoshuiqu Station. After passengers disembark, the train exits Baoshuiqu Station and returns to the ground, entering the Gangwu District depot for inspection, maintenance, disinfection, and servicing, awaiting departure orders.

Yesterday morning, Huashang Daily reporters took a ride on a rail car (engineering vehicle) to experience this elevated line. Since the line has not been officially opened yet and various facilities are not yet complete, the rail car traveled at a speed of about 30 kilometers per hour. When the vehicle emerged from underground and onto the viaduct, the view opened up before our eyes. Looking out the window, the beautiful scenery of Xi'an International Horticultural Exposition was right in front of us, with the majestic Chang'an Tower and the shimmering Guangyun Lake. The area on both sides of the metro line was lush and full of vitality.

According to reports, this elevated line connects the Second Ring Road and crosses the Third Ring Road, spanning the Chan River and Ba River successively. From the city to the waterside, "riding the metro to see the scenery" will bring a magical visual experience to every passenger.

The roofs of the seven elevated stations reach a maximum height of 23 meters above the ground.

The height of the metro elevated line above the ground is not uniform but varies according to the needs of nearby residents, coordination with urban development, and differences in topography and landforms. The roofs of the seven elevated stations reach a maximum height of 23 meters above the ground, with the track surface averaging 14 to 15 meters above the ground.

Yesterday, Huashang Daily reporters visited the Chanba Center Metro Station and found that the metro elevated line is similar to an ordinary viaduct, with two rows of steel rails laid on top. The height of the elevated line is consistent with the adjacent Third Ring Road Guangyun Bridge, and the number and locations of piers are also identical to those of the Guangyun Bridge. It is reported that this one-to-one design aims to achieve harmonious landscaping, making the two bridges appear as if they are integrated.

The metro elevated stations all adopt side platforms. Passengers walk up stairs from the ground to a passage similar to an underground tunnel and then enter the station from either side as needed. After completion, the elevated stations will be entirely enclosed with transparent glass. Currently, the steel skeletons of the elevated stations have been completed, but the glass has not yet been installed. Huashang Daily reporters walked to the edge without feeling dizzy.

In addition, in terms of steel rail and track laying, as well as metro trains, there is no difference between the elevated line and the underground line.

Renovation has begun at 24 of the 26 stations.

It is understood that the first phase of Xi'an Metro Line 3 is 39.15 kilometers long and includes 26 stations: Yuhua Village, Zhangba North Road, Yanping Gate, Science and Technology Road, Taibai South Road, Jixiang Village, Xiaozhai, Dayanta, Beichitou, Qinglong Temple, Yanxing Gate, Xianning Road, Changle Park, Tonghuamen, Hujiamiao, Shijiajie, Xinjiamiao, Guangtaimen, Taohuatan, Chanba Center, Xianghuwan, Wuzhuang, International Gangwu District, Shuangzhai, Xinzhu, and Baoshuiqu.

This year's construction task for Line 3 is to achieve "full long-track connection." In metro construction, "short-track connection" refers to the completion of the laying of all 25-meter-long rail sections to form a continuous track. When the gaps between the rail sections are welded, it becomes a "long-track connection." As of now, 62.62 kilometers of track bed paving have been completed for Line 3, accounting for 60% of the designed total. Of the 26 stations, the main structures of 17 underground stations and 7 elevated stations have been topped out, and all stations except Qinglong Temple and Hujiamiao have begun renovation. For the ancillary works of Line 3, a total of 88 entrances and exits and 29 ventilation pavilions have been commenced, with 47 entrances and exits and 12 ventilation pavilions completed.

Computer-controlled rail welding: one joint welded in 139 seconds.

In the track laying work of Metro Line 3, a "mobiles flash welding machine for rails" was used. Yesterday, Huashang Daily reporters witnessed the operation of this machine. Workers first aligned two rails, and the welding machine extended its crab-like arms to tightly wrap around the two rails. The technician pressed a button, and sparks flew from under the arms as the computer-controlled welding machine began to work, with popping sounds echoing continuously. During the welding process, the welding machine automatically adjusts the position of the steel rails until the best standard is achieved. When the timer on the display screen showed 139 seconds, the welding machine automatically stopped working, and the welding was completed, turning two steel rails into one continuous track.

According to technicians, this welding machine generates electricity using its own diesel generator and completes welding through continuous short-circuiting. Each weld joint takes approximately two minutes to weld. The welding machine increases the workload from only 8 to 10 weld joints per shift to over 30, reducing external interference such as human factors. The welding quality under computer control is more reliable and faster.