Guadalajara LRT project passes halfway mark

Extension and modernization work on line No. 1 of the LRT system in Guadalajara in Mexico has reached the 60% completion mark.

The update was given by Jalisco state governor Aristóteles Sandoval during a site visit.

The project involves lengthening the line, lengthening platforms, modernizing stations and carrying out station-construction work.

Sandoval did not disclose when the work would be finished.

Canada's Bombardier Transportation won a 752mn-peso (US$40.4mn) contract to build 12 trains for the line.

The first train will be delivered in February of 2017 and further deliveries will be made every 20 or 30 days thereafter, Bombardier Mexico spokesperson Paulina Ortega told BNamericas.

Bombardier Transportation's facility in Ciudad Sahagún, in Hidalgo state, is building the trains.

The 29.6m articulated carbon steel trains will run in pairs and are designed for a maximum capacity of 48 seated passengers and more than 300 standing passengers per vehicle.

The trains will travel at a maximum speed of 80km/h.