Terex Rough Terrain Cranes is pleased to announce the involvement of three RT 1070 cranes in the Abidjan Metro—a 37.5-kilometre (23.3 mi) rapid transit network under construction serving the largest city of Abidjan on the Ivory Coast in West Africa.

The Abidjan metro project aims to revolutionise urban transport, streamline commuting, and bolster the economy of the region by delivering improved connectivity and convenience to the 530,000 residents of Abidjan who will rely on it daily, along with an annual capacity to transport 180,000,000 passengers.

Spearheaded by French engineering group Bouygues Construction through its subsidiary Société Ivoirienne de Construction du Métro d'Abidjan (SICMA), the project is currently erecting VSol walls for the Abidjan metro, which are reinforced concrete retaining walls, consisting of concrete scales and galvanised steel bar mesh.

The VSoL technique employs vertically laid scales to contain backfill, offering a significant advantage in minimising infrastructure footprint. Typically measuring 2.25 metres in width, 1.8 metres in height, and boasting a structural thickness of 14 centimetres, these concrete scales ensure robustness and longevity of the structures. Construction of VSoL walls demands a systematic approach, encompassing site preparation, scale installation, wire mesh integration, and backfill material compaction, each meticulously executed to uphold wall quality and strength. Here, three Terex Rough Terrain 1070 Cranes play a pivotal role, facilitating the precise lifting and positioning of materials, contributing to the efficiency and accuracy of the construction process.

The three RT 1070 cranes were provided to SICMA by SNM Cranes, Terex Rough Terrain Cranes distributor for Ivory Coast and France. With excellent ground clearance, compact dimensions of only 3 metres wide and three steering modes, the RT 1070 provides ease of transportability and manoeuvrability. High performance is supported with its 4-section hydraulic boom with two extension modes offering strength and stability.  The RT 1070 also features a 7-inch full-colour display offering full control of the crane, along with an ergonomic joystick with adjustable responsiveness to operator preferences. This along with an extra wide, tiltable cabin offers comfort and visibility for operators.

Olivier Galzin, Sales Director, SNM Cranes said, “Contributing our expertise and equipment to such a transformative project as the Abidjan metro is truly rewarding. We are honoured to play a role in shaping the future of urban mobility in Abidjan. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to excellence and innovation in construction, and we look forward to continuing our support as the project reaches new heights."